A SLOUGH teen will represent her county after getting to the grand final of two beauty pageants.

Barkha Thapa, 19, will parade as Miss Berkshire at the UK’s Dazzling Beauty competition.

She won a regional heat earlier this month in the Miss Photogenic Model 2014 category.

The former Beechwood School pupil said: “I’m hoping to win because I can be a good role model for our young generation and to prove to people that taking part in a beauty pageant is not just about parties, photo shoots, crowns, dresses or standing on stage smiling — it is much more than that.

“We pageant girls have beauty and brains. We are not just Barbie dolls who only know about dressing up.” She added: “I also want to show people, and mostly girls who think they need to be slim, tall and have tiny waists, that you can just be yourself to win or enter this competition because beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and ages.” The final is due to take place in Brighton on November 22. She will also compete in the UK Galaxy Pageant in February next year, after being crowned Miss Slough Galaxy 2014/15.

Miss Thapa is hosting a charity fundraising dinner and dance event.

It will include a children’s fashion show to crown a Miss Little Berkshire 2014.

There will be a three-course meal and music, from 7pm at the Yew Tree restaurant in Collinswood Road, Farnham Common, on Friday, October 24.

Tickets cost £13 and £5 for children. If you would like to enter a child, contact Miss Thapa on 07405 105151.