It’s not just a sparkling crown and a sash that pageant girl Kerys Squire is chasing as she prepares to compete in Miss Galaxy.

She also has her sights on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Florida.

The 17-year-old, of Allenby Avenue, Deal, has been named Miss Teen East Kent Galaxy, and will compete against other teenagers from around the country for the title of Miss Teen Galaxy on March 11.

She’ll be judged in three rounds at the event at Park Hall Hotel, Lancashire. These are fashion wear, swimwear and evening wear.

But it’s not just her performance on the day that counts. She’ll also gain points for her public appearances, fundraising and publicity, plus a public vote which she hopes the people of east Kent will support her in.

“Galaxy has always been my main aim. To place and do well would mean more to me then anyone could imagine.” - Kerys Squire

Kerys, who used to attend Castle Community College but is now doing a cabin-crew course at Dover College, says this is what she has been working towards since she started competing in pageants in 2014.

She said: "Galaxy has always been my main aim.

"To place and do well would mean more to me then anyone could imagine."

Kerys’ first title was Miss Teen Face of the Year. Having been selected as a finalist in the UK heat of Face of The Globe, she travelled to Disneyland Paris when she competed against about 200 others.

Her Miss Teen Face of the Year title involved travelling around the country, meeting celebrities and raising the profile of the contest.

She met and was pictured with James Bond star Daniel Craig at the premiere of Spectre, cricket legend Andrew Flintoff and reality star Harry Derbidge.

The aspiring air stewardess then went on to be named Miss Teen Fresh Face in 2015.

Most recently, in November 2016, she competed in Miss European, representing Ireland. She was placed as deputy Irish princess.

Miss Galaxy is one of the leading beauty pageants in the UK, known for sending its winners from nine different categories to compete in Orlando at the Galaxy International Pageant.

Kerys said: “I have worked hard to build my confidence up and improve my performance.

“I now feel I have enough experience in the industry and that I am ready to go and compete on the Galaxy stage.”

In the run-up to the contest, Kerys will be visiting Manchester head office of the pageant’s chosen charity, the Christie Charitable Fund.

It is the largest cancer centre in Europe, treating more than 40,000 patients a year and an international leader in research.

Kerys will also be appearing this weekend’s Miss Earth pageant.

Her mum, Lisa Hale, said: “People have different opinions of pageants but the confidence it has given my daughter is invaluable.

“She’s learned the art of speaking in public and developed organisational skills, proven by the charity fashion show she compered and choreographed at the Ocean Rooms in Deal last year.

“I know this competition is what she’s been working towards, and I hope the people of east Kent get behind her.”

Kerys has thanked the people of Deal for their support so far, as well as Yolanda Kingdon, who has helped her create a photo portfolio for the competition.

To give Kerys your vote, follow this link and like the United Kingdom Galaxy Pageants page and her picture.

Both must be liked for the vote to count. The vote ends on March 7.

Donate to The Christie Charitable Fund here.