A schoolgirl from Oldham who is passionate about football has reached the final of a prestigious pageant where she will compete for the crown this autumn.

Evie Duffy, from Chadderton, won a place in the semi-final of the Miss Teen Britain competition in February this year.

Now, having bagged the title of Miss Junior Teen Greater Manchester, it has been announced the 12-year-old has officially secured herself a place in the final. 

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Youngsters from across Great Britain will compete for the crown in the spectacular grand final, held at The Globe in Blackpool on October 14 - weeks after Evie's 13th birthday.

Participants will also enjoy a night's stay in the Village Hotel.

The winner of Miss Teen Great Britain will walk away with some incredible prizes – including £1,000, dresses from The Dress Studio, a sparkling sash, crown and more.

The final itself will see the teens face off in a weekend of fun, enjoying a beauty queen 'challenge day' as well as a pajama dive party at The Village Hotel.

The Oldham Times: Evie Duffy has been hard at work raising money for charities and causes close to her heartEvie Duffy has been hard at work raising money for charities and causes close to her heart (Image: Donna Duffy)

Back in February, Evie said it would be a "dream come true" to get to the finals and now she is due to compete, added: "I was excited to have made it to the semi-finals, but to be a grand finalist and compete on stage is a great achievement."

The passionate footballer, who saw her team Milnrow Saphire Dynamos win the league last season, has also been busy working to help local charities in preparation for the event.

Evie collected more than 70 football boots which she then donated to the Rochdale AFC Community Trust.

The trust collects old and unwanted boots and gives them back to people in the community, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part in the sport with the right equipment.

She added: "Fingers crossed I will be able to represent my hometown and all the football girls out there and win the Miss Teen Great Britain crown."

Although the youngster will be hanging up her muddy football boots for full glam for the competition, Miss Teen Great Britain stresses that it is not a beauty contest but more like a platform to "celebrate teenagers, their achievements and their goals".

The Oldham Times: Ms Duffy hopes to take home the crown for all the football girls out thereMs Duffy hopes to take home the crown for all the football girls out there (Image: Donna Duffy)

"This UK pageant is about empowering teens, having fun, making friends and incredible memories", the website adds.

A key component of the competition is fundraising as all Little Miss and Miss Junior Teen finalists are invited to raise money and awareness for the children's charity, Together for Short Lives.

Since 2015, Miss Teen GB finalists have raised more than £260,000 for the charity and Evie completed a colour fun run which contributed another £360 towards the pot.

She added: "Taking part in Miss Teen Great Britain has opened my eyes more and how I can get more involved to help local charities.

"I can't wait for the final now. I know I will be nervous on the day, but it will be such an experience just to be there on stage."

Sponsoring Evie for the big day is local small business owner, Bethany Allt, who runs Koala Nala - a handmade scrunchie company - and has competed in pageants herself.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.