NANCY Hodgson has been crowned Miss Teen Great Britain.

The 16-year-old, from Widnes, fought off tough competition to take the prestigious title.

She took second place in last year's competition and was determined to come back this year to win the crown.

The competition, which started back in 2011, was held at The Globe Theatre, in Blackpool.

Nancy impressed the judges with her stage presence and lovely personality and took home the crown.

She also raised more than £1,200 for the competition's chosen charity - Together for Short Lives.

Nancy told Runcorn & Widnes World: "The Miss Teen Great Britain organisation has truly changed my life.

"I entered the competition three years ago to gain confidence after having a tough time in school and I can't believe the difference in myself.

"I've gained so much confidence and made lifelong friends from all around the world.

"My experience as Miss Teen Cheshire was incredible and I am so honoured to now be a representative for girls all across Great Britain.

"I would like to use my platform to reach out to as many girls as possible and guide them into learning to love themselves, as with that comes self-belief, and once you have that I believe you can do anything in life.

"Miss Teen Great Britain gave me the platform to make a difference in my community and I’m so proud to have raised over £3000 for charities such as Together for Short Lives and Young Minds.

"I am so passionate about promoting a positive mental wellbeing and Miss Teen Great Britain gave me the confidence to start my own mental health campaign called BEE HEARD to support young people in gaining that positive mental wellbeing that is so important.’

Holly Pirrie, director of Miss Teen Great Britain, said: "I am so pleased for Nancy, she is such a lovely girl and worked so hard to win the Miss Junior Teen Great Britain crown.

"We know she will be a fantastic representative of the Miss Teen Great Britain organisation and a brilliant role model for young girls across the country.

"Nancy hasn’t just taken home the crown, she has also made lifelong memories and friends she hopes to keep forever."

The two-day event encourages the girls to create new friendships through various activities such as the pyjama diva party and the beauty queen challenge day.

Girls wanting to enter the 2020 Miss Teen Great Britain competitions can visit www.missteengreatbritain.co.uk/enter/'