A BLAENAU Ffestiniog teenager is set to compete in a prestigious international beauty pageant in Paris next year.

Shonie Williams, 18, will take part in the Face of Europe and the World contest in May after successfully winning Face of North West England in a competition in Bolton last week.

The teenager, who works as a general assistant at Gwesty Seren, a facility which offers holidays and respite care for those with disabilities, was due to be on holiday in Greece when the north Wales pageant took place and so was offered a place in the North West England category, where she took first place.

The former Ysgol y Moelwyn pupil was absolutely delighted with her victory.

“It’s a dream come true and I’m so excited to head to Paris next year. To win there would just be huge,” she told the Cambrian News. “For the time being, though, I’m just delighted to win, it’s such a big thing for me.

“It’s only my third beauty pageant. My mum said I couldn’t enter them before I was 16 as I had to focus on my education, so I’m really pleased with the result."

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