Cricket star Freddie Flintoff has visited Deal's High Street of the Year, wishing a young beauty pageant contestant good luck in her upcoming finals and signing her sash.

The English sportsman was seen exploring the town last Saturday with his friends, enjoying an afternoon coffee in Love Drinks cafe.

He posed for photos with members of staff Candy Crawford and Prudence Moir and Teen Face of The Year Kerys Squire, who was also in the cafe with her mum.

Miss Squire said: “I was amazed. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him sat there and for him to wish me luck was absolutely breathtaking.

"He was such a lovely man. He said he would vote for me and kindly signed my sash.”

Deal girl Kerys Squire is preparing for the grand finale of her first ever beauty pageant this month.

The 15-year-old of Allenby Avenue, Deal who before March had never stepped on a catwalk, will fight for the title of Teen Face of the Globe 2014 in a five-day long contest starting on Saturday, October 25. She will go up against contestants from all over the world.

The competition will begin in London with judging taking place in the Worth Hotel, Gatwick.

The contestants will then travel to Disneyland Paris were the winners will be announced and crowned.

Miss Squire’s shoe sponsor has made her a bespoke pair of Disney inspired high heels, which she hopes will bring her good luck.

The Castle Community College pupil who only entered the competition after persuasion from her friends and family, will be judged in several different categories including an interview, charity work, fitness, congeniality, talent and finally on a people’s choice.

The people’s choice vote is a crucial part of the competition. Facebook users can vote for their favourite contestant by simply liking their photo.

Miss Squire won this part in an earlier round of the competition this year, when she was crowned Teen Face Of The Year.

She said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support, especially my dress sponsor Farrows, hair sponsor Knots and shoe sponsor Sian Sparkles.

“I am really excited about the finals but scared at the same time. I think I might find it a bit overwhelming.”

The people's choice vote is now live.

To vote for Kerys follow this link and like her photo.