Arabella's bid for Miss Teen Queen

A PUPIL from St George's School for Girls is hoping to drum up support from city residents to help her reach the final of Miss Teen Queen UK 2011 in September.

Arabella Normand had not entered a beauty competition before but was delighted to be shortlisted from 9,000 hopefuls.

The 16-year-old is in her final year at school and has represented Scotland as a member of the Under-25 British Young Riders Dressage team.

Mum Rosemary said: "To beat the remaining 50 girls in her semi-final heat and secure her place in the final, Arabella has to gain the highest number of public votes before voting closes."

Arabella added: "I have never done anything like this before and the photo shoot was so exciting. I now have two weeks to literally beg everyone to vote for me so that I get the chance to make the final so please vote for me."

The competition also raises money for its sponsor the MAD foundation, a charity which helps people in some of the world's poorest countries to help themselves.

You can vote for Arabella by texting TQ38 to 81319 or by phone vote on 0900 5938000 giving the digits 38. Voting closes at 11.30pm on June 30 and details can be found on the Teen Queen UK website.