TWO beauties have made it to the finals of different national competitions to represent Swindon on the national and international stages.

The fresh-faced stars have been selected from thousands of entries in the Miss Teen, Miss International and Miss Intercontinental beauty queen competitions, and will go head-to head against thousands of other teenagers.

For 17-year-old Sheri Harvey, of Walcot, who has made it to the final of Miss Teen UK 2015, the achievement is all the more poignant after years of being bullied at school.

The youngster, who is a registered carer for both her parents, said she did not tell her family she had entered the competition until she got through to the final.

“I did it without telling my family, and in March I received an email telling me I was through to the semi final,” she said. “They then called me to say they were going to put me straight through to the grand final because they said they liked my photographs and my application.”

She will now go head to head for the chance to be crowned Miss Teen UK 2015 in three different rounds, including an interview, a party-wear round and a ballgown round – from a cohort of 60 youngsters.

“When I found out, I didn’t know what to say, I was so happy. They had to check I was still on the phone,” said the New College student.

“I was bullied at school and I didn’t have a lot of confidence, but about two years ago I was told that I could be a model, so when I saw this I decided to enter.

“They used to say I was ugly because I was one of the first people who got a lot of spots.

“Taking part has really boosted my confidence.”

Meanwhile, New College student and Miss Wiltshire 2014, Nicole Cox has won a place in the prestigious UK final of Miss International and Miss Intercontinental.

The youngster, who is also a waitress at the Dockle Farmhouse and spent much time working for local charities, was delighted to make it through to the final, which will take place at the Park Hall Hotel, in Lancashire, on July 19.

Nicole said: “I am so excited to have made it to the final, it is a great achievement and I cannot wait to meet all of the other girls.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to use my title to enforce positive values within the local community and support several great charities.

“I intend to do as much as I can for Wiltshire’s charities, so if there are any local events that you would like me to support then please get in touch.

“I have had such great support from my family and friends, and especially my very talented sponsor Michaella Wilkinson MUA. A lot of people have said how much my confidence has grown since being a very shy girl in school, so I hope to inspire other girls to take a step out of their comfort zone and follow their dreams.”