A Workington student is preparing to strut her stuff in the final of Miss Manchester 2016.

Lucy Teasdale, 18, of Stainburn Road, is one of 31 finalists in the annual beauty pageant.

Lucy is currently in her first year at Manchester Metropolitan University and is doing a filmmaking degree.

She entered the competition online and qualified for the final through a text message vote.

 She said: "I've never done anything like this before. I've always wanted to do it, but I never had the confidence.

"I really wanted to improve my confidence and self esteem and I want to represent young girls.

"I want to say that it doesn't matter if you don't feel beautiful and you can love yourself for yourself."

The final will take place at Manchester's Palace Hotel next Friday, May 6.

The competitors will take part in several rounds including a catwalk round, a sportswear round and an evening dress round.

A judging panel will then crown an overall winner and if Lucy wins Miss Manchester she will qualify for Miss England in July.

Lucy is a former pupil at Dean Primary School, St Joseph's School in Workington and Lakes College at Lillyhall.

Miss Manchester is supporting two charities, Cash For Kids and Beauty with a Purpose, and Lucy is also organising a charity raffle to help raise money for Cash For Kids.

She added: "It's more than just a beauty pageant, the charities are good causes and I wanted to help out.

"I'm very excited about it. I'm nervous, but it will be a really amazing opportunity."

A public vote will act as one judge on the day of the final.