A HALSTEAD student who overcame years of bullying is now set to compete in Miss Teen Galaxy.

Annie Barter, 17, of Bentall Close, is also a finalist in Miss Teen Great Britain and is hoping to win the crown in Blackpool in October.

The Colchester Institute student turned to pageantry in an attempt to boost her confidence and has not looked back since.

She said: “Basically I was severely bullied from a young age – physically, racially and verbally.

“When people say certain negative things to you it starts getting to you and you start to believe it, so over the years I’ve struggled with mental health and eating problems but I’m ready to sort of push that back and forget it.

“I’m ready to feel proud of myself and how far I’ve come and I just think in an environment where you’re made to feel beautiful, you are surrounded by lovely, gorgeous people who could become friends for life, your whole mindset changes.”

The competition consists of four different rounds – fashion, swimwear, evening and an interview with the judges, with the winners then flying to Orlando in Florida for the international pageant.

She said: “I know I’ve got to work very hard, mentally and physically, for my title and the competition as the girls entering are absolutely stunning.”

Annie needs to fundraise £250 to secure her place in the competition.

She is planning a bake sale as well as hosting a giant party to raise the funds.

Sally, Annie’s mum, said: “I am so excited for my daughter getting through to the final for this pageant in Blackpool.

"She is an amazing young woman and I am an extremely proud mum.”