AN aspiring model from Wilmington is hoping to be crowned a Teen Princess after applying to a national online beauty contest.

Elle Elliott of The Close, Wilmington, has reached the semi-finals of Teen Princess UK but now needs the public to vote for her until July 15.

The 14-year-old is up against 60 other girls aged between 13 and 15 from across the country who have been chosen to appear on the Teen Princess website.

The two girls with the most text votes from the public will go through to the finals in August.

Elle, who so far has 187 votes, said: "I would be ecstatic if I got through so I really need your support."

The Wilmington Academy student was scouted for the competition at Bluewater and had her photos taken professionally by the Teen Queen team for the contest.

She said: "What girl wouldn’t like having her hair and makeup done and having her pictures taken?

"I was a bit nervous at first but I got more into it and relaxed.

"I enjoyed it very much."

Prizes will include a fashion portfolio, clothing, cosmetics, as well as a year’s worth of haircuts from a top London salon.

But if the pretty teen does not get through, she has another plan that is close to her heart.

She said: "I’ve always wanted to do something in modelling.

"But if I don’t make it, I’d like to be a PE teacher.

"I love hockey, football, netball, running, and javelin."

For more information, go to missteenqueenuk.com

To vote for Elle, text TP13 to 81319.