A FORMER apprentice car mechanic is hoping to turn heads at a beauty pageant and help a little boy battling a life-threatening genetic disorder.

Angela Pritchard, aged 20, won the first heat of Miss North West Beauty and is now through to the grand final in February, 2015.

She is raising funds for Joining Jack, a charity launched to support he son of former Wigan and Salford rugby player Andy Johnson, Jack, a six-year-old who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

This muscle wasting disease currently has no cure.

Angela, from Halton Brook, Runcorn, said: "I used to do care work and looked after a lad in Widnes with the same problem so I know what it is like.

"They are not expected to live very long. I want to raise as much as I can."

Angela is planning a 32-mile bike ride in November with her family and friends to Otterspool and back and various other events.

She says she loved working in a garage as an apprentice but had to give it up for health reasons.

She is now training to be a hairdresser at Riverside College.

Former Grange pupil Angela said: "I loved being hands on learning about cars.

"Now I'm hoping to do freelance hairdressing and work behind the scenes at beauty pageants.

"I've never entered a beauty competition before but I'm hoping it will help to build up my confidence."

Angela enjoys swimming, cycling and running.

Her parents, Jennifer and Mark, sister, Lauren, aged 21 and brother, Declan, aged 12, have pledged their support.

To sponsor Angela, text Apjj77 to 70070.