A TEESDALE teenager is back home after tasting success at an international beauty pageant.
Kaitlyn Ramsey, from Romaldkirk, won the Miss Belle Teen UK title in Albir, Spain.
She said she was shocked and didn’t expect to win.
The Teesdale School pupil qualified for the grand finals in Spain after being crowned the Belle Pageants North East ambassador and won the director’s choice award for her hard work.
At the final in Spain, Kaitlyn said she faced tough competition.
“It was a busy week. We were judged on fitness on the beach, there was an interview and a photo-shoot.
“On the final evening I had to make three different appearances on stage – an opening introduction, a fashion section to test confidence and the final evening session which was based around the theme of elegance.”
She added: “I couldn’t believe it when my name was announced as the winner.
“It had been a very emotional day and I thought that I had not done my best. I was up against some stiff competition. I have been doing pageants for just over a year and some of the girls had far more experience.”
Kaitlin said: “I owe a lot of people a lot of thanks for supporting me.
“My mum and dad, brother Jack and little sister Carys-Grace have all been amazing. I would also like to thank Leanne Hammond, at Lannails-Nails and Beauty, in Copley, who came forward to offer me a complete makeover following an appeal in the Teesdale Mercury” .
Next year Kaitlyn is aiming even higher, she has her eye on the Miss Belle International title.
As part of the pageants, she had to undertake charity and community work, which included photo competitions on social media, sponsored abseils and bungee jumps, charity bag packs and a fashion show.
Her efforts saw her raise more than £1,300 for Ronald MacDonald House, in Liverpool, which provides free accommodation for parents and carers of critically ill children being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool.
Mum Melissa said: “It has been a busy year. We have travelled over 4,000 miles with Kaitlyn taking her to various pageants and fundraising events but it has all been well worthwhile” .
