A schoolgirl from Liverpool has beaten young beauties from 25 other countries to take the Miss Teen World title in Houston, Texas.
Amy Jackson, 16, from Knowsley Village, told the Liverpool Echo: ‘I was completely shocked to win and so happy.
‘I really thought I had not made the final five. But then I went on to take the title. I made lots of friends during the competition and may now be going to live in Texas for a year to promote the contest.’
‘Shocked’: winner Amy didn’t think she’d made the final five
Personality and communication counted for a quarter of contestants’ scores, with the other three-quarters going to their appearance in evening gown, swimsuit, and ‘poise and beauty’.
In contrast to recent ‘size zero’ model healthcare scandals, Miss Teen World judges stressed health over size: ‘Physical fitness should be an important part of everyone’s life,’ the judges said. ‘We are looking for a winner that is in great shape with a healthy respect for her body.’
Amy reached the final after winning the Miss Teen Liverpool and Miss Teen Great Britain contests.
Amy’s father, BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Alan Jackson, said: ‘The contestants were asked to talk about their home town and obviously Amy was not short of things to say. She mentioned Liverpool FC, Capital of Culture, the Mersey – there is no shortage of things to say about Liverpool.
‘We are very proud of Amy and the fact she has done so well in school too.’
Brains and beauty: Amy hopes to study law at university
Hardworking Amy hopes to go on to university and study law – after achieving nine GCSEs passes this summer, five of which were As.
But she will continue modelling in the meantime – with a new UK contract, which she hopes will lead to success in the industry.
Other contestants in the Teen Miss World competition came from countries including Canada, France, Mexico, Korea, South Africa, Russia and the USA.
Amy’s prizes include a modelling contract in the USA, a wardrobe of appearance clothes and a years supply of cosmetics and shoes.