A TEENAGER from Rayleigh is in contention to represent Great Britain at the Miss Universe Pageant and is aiming to use her platform to encourage young girls to participate in sport.

A keen swimmer, 19-year-old Robyn Quince has been with the Runnymede Swimming Club for more than a decade and is currently working towards her coaching qualifications.

Amid her preparations for the competition, to be held in South Wales in July, Ms Quince is aiming to inspire more young girls to participate in sports while also raising funds for A-Sisterhood, an organisation promoting the advancement of women around the globe.

The competition from July 4 to 6 will feature a Bring A Bra Ball for A-Sisterhood, offering an opportunity for the finalists and their guests to donate bras that would later be sent to women in Africa, in association with Smalls for All.

Other events scheduled during the competition include an empowerment day and a catwalk show evaluated by a panel of judges from the fashion and beauty industry.

Robyn said: “I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year and am looking forward to supporting A-Sisterhood as part of the process.

“Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it’s going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun.”

This year’s proceeds will benefit various female-focused causes, including Stop Acid Attacks in India.

A donation will also go to a charity selected by the new titleholder.

The Miss Universe Great Britain pageant honours the efforts of its contestants through the Not in Vain campaign.

It awards the finalist who raises the most funds for charity and the most inspiring finalist who dedicates herself to empowering young women.

The national director of Miss Universe Great Britain, Paula Abbandonato, said: “We have an incredible lineup of young women at Miss Universe Great Britain once again this year.

“They all bring something special to the table and are proud to be feminists in heels.”

As well as getting the opportunity to represent the UK at Miss Universe in Mexico at the end of the year, Miss Universe Great Britain will also travel on humanitarian projects linked to A-Sisterhood.