ASPIRING model Emily Tanner is counting on the people of Suffolk and East Anglia to help fulfil her dream.

The 16-year-old has made it through to the next stage of national beauty contest Teen Queen UK.

The Bungay High School pupil, of Crabtree Close, Halesworth, is now hoping as many people as possible will vote for her so she can make it through to the final of the competition, which takes place in August.

She was originally picked out after a trip to the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham last year.

“My friends and I were walking around and there was one area that was really crowded,” Emily said. “Someone came over and asked if we would like to join the competition and we thought why not, there’s always a chance.

“I hadn’t heard anything for a couple of months so I thought I hadn’t got any further. However, the next day after I said that I got a letter in the post and a phone call. I just jumped and screamed for ages and phoned all my friends and family.”

Emily was then whisked away to London where she had a professional photoshoot and makeover.

“It was very exciting – I was counting down the days,” she said. “When I actually arrived in London I was very nervous. I don’t normally like the way I look in photographs, but the ones I had done were amazing.

“I used to model when I was younger, but I stopped because it was getting in the way of school work and I was quite shy.

“I really wanted to get back into it, but wasn’t sure how – hopefully this will be a step in the right direction.

“After two days some of the girls in the competition had 500 or 600 votes. I’m already thinking how can I get that? It would be very exciting to make the next round. I really need as many people as possible to vote for me.”

People have until the end of the month to cast their votes.

For more details visit www.missteenqueenuk.com and to support Emily text her first and last name to 84205.

craig.robinson@eadt.co.uk