A SIXTEEN-year-old from Horrabridge has been confirmed as one of the grand finalists of a British pageant competition.

Poppy Joy Vernon has been selected from thousands of applicants across the country to win a place in this year’s Miss Teen Great Britain.

Her place in the final also means that she has been awarded the title of Miss Teen Devon. Poppy will take her place in the live grand final to compete for the crown of Miss Teen Great Britain in Blackpool in October.

Poppy Joy is no stranger to being featured in local press over the years for her achievements in drama, music and sport — but none more noticeably than for sailing around Britain on a 57ft Ketch with Morvargh Sailing. The challenge saw her join other teenagers as they battled their way around the UK over a period of six weeks.

Poppy said: ‘I’m not one to shy away from a challenge! Anything from performing in front of audiences to taking on the Ten Tors expedition and of course the sailing. However, in many ways I believe this pageant will be one my top challenges.’

Poppy recently left Plymouth College after gaining nine GCSEs. She now starts with Ivybridge College studying photography, media studies and performing arts. Poppy will also be fundraising for the charity ‘Together for Short Lives’ which helps children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

Poppy added: ‘To have a career in the entertainment industry would be a dream come true. I hope that this amazing opportunity will be the stepping stone to exciting things and am really looking forward to meeting all of my fellow contestants in October. We’re going to have so much fun.’