A RUNCORN schoolgirl is entering her first beauty pageant ‘to make her grandad proud’.

Rebecca Rowlands, aged 15, from Castlefields, is through to the final of Miss Junior Teen Great Britain, a contest for girls aged 11 to 15.

Her dad, William, aged 41, said: “She is hoping to win it for her grandad who was diagnosed with a heart condition and became blind in one eye this time last year.

“She wants to make him proud.

“Her grandad cried when he found out that she was in the final.

“Rebecca is funny, bubbly and always willing to help other people. She has a heart of gold. She is very close to my dad and wants to raise awareness about heart conditions and blindess.

“As a family, we are proud to call her ‘beautiful princess’ and wish her the best of luck.”

The winner will receive £1,000, a professional photo shoot, an introduction to a modelling and casting agency, £500 to spend on clothes, make up, jewellery, a two night hotel break, plus various other prizes.

The 60 finalists will complete various challenges on August 28 and 30 at The Globe on Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Grange pupil Rebecca lives with her dad and grandad, William, aged 65, who used to work in Fords and before that was employed by a pharmaceutical company.

Rebecca said: “My mum entered me for this competition and didn’t tell me for a few weeks. I was really nervous.

“I want to make my grandad proud. You never know how long you’ve got with your grandparents.”