A STUDENT of John Masefield High School has won her way through to the national final of the Junior Miss British Isles Model Competition.

Francesca Burge, aged 13, has already been named as Junior Miss Herefordshire and will be representing her county tomorrow (Saturday, September 4) for the grand final at Chester Racecourse.

Her proud mother, Nikki, who lives with her daughter in Ledbury, said: “I am incredibly proud of Frankie, she is so grown up, grounded, has huge confidence and a warm heart.

“Francesca is very much looking forward to the finals of the modelling contest and everyone we have met so far have been lovely and supportive.”

Competition judges have to look through a huge amount of entries before offering just 40 entrants the chance to represent their home area in the national final. 

Francesca’s hobbies include ballet, street dance, contemporary and break dance. Francesca — also known as Frankie — recently spent her Easter holidays helping out with lambing on a farm in Presteigne.

If she wins the title, her prizes will include £1,000 in cash, the Junior Miss British Isles crown and sash and a series of four photoshoots throughout her year-long “reign”.

There is also the possibility of introductions to leading model agencies across the country.

Francesca will be up against finalists from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and across England.

The culmination of the final will be a catwalk show in front of judges and an audience at the racecourse’s Final Furlong Marquee, with the winner announced on the day.

Previous winners of the competition have been signed by top modelling agencies, taken roles in television shows and even appeared in a Bollywood film.

For more information about the competition, visit juniormissbritishisles.com.