A seven-year-old girl guide is celebrating after winning a prestigious international pageant.

First-timer Selina McKinnon, from Tonbridge, was crowned International Junior Miss Princess in Florida despite having no prior experience in the competition.

In April, Selina first entered the International Junior Miss United Kingdom as Miss Kent in the Princess division.

Despite having no prior pageanting experience, the hockey and swimming enthusiast won and gained entry to the world finals in the USA.

Her mum, Sonal Patel said: “Winning in the UK, you have an official title, the crown and the sash, but it also means you have to go to the international competition in Florida and represent your country.”

The pair spent as much time as they could in between school and activities to prepare for the pageant in Orlando last month.

“Pageanting is like a competitive sport out there [in America] and I’m not your average pageant mum.

“These girls are insanely talented, really well-trained and well-versed,” said Sonal.

But to her “shock and surprise”, her daughter won in her category, becoming the first UK Princess.

“She was the underdog because there were very competitive girls even at her young age category who had been doing pageants since they were two,” explained Sonal.

“She was amazing, looked beautiful and well choreographed – I’m really proud of her.”

Selina, who is a Brownie, also won Best Interview and Best Spokesmodel for her speech about kindness.

The mum-of-three added: “A lot of women and girls who are in pageanting, no matter their age, find something they love and try and talk about it and do community service or spread news about their platform.

“Selina chose hers – it’s all about how small acts of kindness can have a really far-reaching effect and though it's hard sometimes, it is really important.”

Over the next year, recently crowned Selina will carry out pageanting duties “set to take her all over the world”.

Selina said: "It's a dream come true to represent my country and show girls just like me how to be more confident.

"It was so much fun to meet queens from around the world and talk about my pageant platform.

“Being kind gives you a golden glow in your heart.”