Shauna Gallon, from North Shields, has been invited to take part in the 2016 Miss Newcastle competition by Tyne Tees Modelling agency.
Rather than entering herself and starting from the beginning of the process, the agency have contacted Shauna and invited her to bypass heats and go straight to the finals.
The fashion blogger believes that her blog and Instagram account, where she promotes clothing from various companies helped to get her noticed.
She is the youngest contestant and is following in the footsteps of her mother, Louise Beckett, who was Miss Northern Ireland 1991.
With aspirations to be a performer, Shauna thinks her participation will help her achieve her future career.
The 17-year-old said: “I definitely think that the Miss Newcastle competition is going to benefit me and give me a lot more exposure. I think the more exposure you get is what clothing companies are looking for – girls who are constantly working and modelling and being involved with pageant opportunities.”
To prepare, Shauna has been practising her catwalk and is in talks with some of the companies she promotes for, to create some outfits to fit in with the carnival theme.
Older sister, Ciara Gallon, 20, says: “I’m so proud of my little sister for getting this far. I have every faith that something great will come of this opportunity. I’m so glad I can be part of it.”
With many sponsors of the girls and the competition, the pressure is on for all involved.
Deborah MacDonald, manager of Newcastle Racecourse, a sponsor of the event said: “It is a great opportunity to be a sponsor at the Miss Newcastle Event. We feel very proud and I think the event gets Newcastle recognised on a national level through the press.”
The finals take place Friday 3rd June at Newcastle Civic Centre.
