A 15-year-old girl has won the title of Miss Teen Hertfordshire and a place in the prestigious Grand Final of Miss Teen Great Britain 2012.

Shannon Gentle from Stotfold has seen off thousands of teens from across Great Britain to make it to the grand final.

Shannon who has just completed her GCSE exams at the Samuel Whitbread Academy in Shefford said: “I am so excited to have made it to the final, it is a great achievement, as there were so many gorgeous semi-finalists. I am so surprised that I have made it this far.”

Shannon was selected after having her photo taken at the Clothes Show in Birmingham last year. Not thinking much of the photo, Shannon was contacted by Miss Teen Great Britain 2012 organisers who asked her to complete a interview on her hobbies, likes, dislikes and aspirations.

Following on from this, Shannon was one the 60 people selected out of 130 for the final.

Shannon said “I just can’t believe this. It has come as a complete shock, from having a simple photo taken at the Clothes Show in Birmingham last year to this – the final of Miss Teen GB. I am over the moon with excitement. I am really looking forward to the final and who knows what may happen.”

Shannon will be looking to raise funds and awareness in the lead up to the national final for Claire House Children’s Hospice by organising fundraisers.

Teenagers from across Great Britain will compete for the crown in the grand final. The winner of Miss Teen Great Britain will walk away with prizes – including �1000. The Grand Final of Miss Teen Great Britain will be held on September 30 at The Globe in Blackpool. The weekend of Miss Teen Great Britain is set to be full of fun, with the finalists enjoying a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and a pyjama diva party.

Shannon is currently on school holidays and has been doing voluntary work at the Red Bear Childrens centre in Stotfold.