A Forth Valley teen will next month take to the stage in a bid to be crowned Miss Teen Great Britain.
Romany Shaw, from Denny, is the current Miss Stirlingshire and she qualified earlier this year for the British pageant in Blackpool next month.
Miss Teen Great Britain contests, covering Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see teens aged 16-19 contest the prestigious title.
Romany, 18, a former St Modan’s High pupil will head to Blackpool – despite no previous competition experience.
During her year as Miss Teen Stirlingshire, Romany took the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for good causes. She has raised almost £2,300 towards Together for Short Lives – a charity for children’s palliative care – and she still has one final raffle to boost the total.
The big-hearted teen also took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk with friends where they raised another £1,000.
Romany also volunteers for a host of charitable organisations and hopes that by taking part in the pageant she can shine a light on the work carried out by the groups.
Romany, who is currently studying acting at Clyde College in Glasgow, said: “Equine Outreach, where I volunteer, help kids with anxiety and mental health issues through equine therapy. I suffered anxiety when I was young, so helping others has helped me.
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“I asked friends I knew to donate horse equipment and I raised over £500 in equipment. I also attended The Ladies that Lunch day with Michelle McManus and volunteered that day, selling raffle tickets for Strathcarron Hospice.
“I was asked to help open Denny Gala with Steve McCrorie and handed out the ‘Inspirational Awards’ to the kids form our local schools and high school. The Denny Gala Committee asked schools to put forward one kid that has helped other people and I hope to encourage kids to help out in their community and volunteer the way we do at Miss Teen.”
The pageant is set to be Romany’s first ever. Speaking to the Stirling Observer back in January this year, she said: “I have never entered any pageant competitions before. I have a little experience on film sets as a supporting actress. When I went to Hamilton Races, I met Miss Great Britain Glasgow and we talked about the pageant and it really interested me as it wasn’t just about the modelling, but it was about getting involved with charities, volunteering and helping others.
“When I got through to the finals and was crowned Miss Stirlingshire I was overjoyed and very proud. This year I am focusing on volunteering, fundraising and helping out my community.”
The Miss Teen Great Britain Grand Final takes place at The Globe Theatre, in Blackpool, on Sunday, October 13.
To pledge towards Romany’s fundraiser for Together for Short Lives, click here.