AN INSPIRATIONAL teenage beauty queen is hoping to send an empowering message to young people and win a national crown.

Fifteen-year-old Paige Uprichard has successfully reached the semi-finals of the prestigious Miss Teen Great Britain competition.

Paige, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), says she has entered her first pageant to help build her confidence.

She added that her ADHD has made it difficult for her to remain in mainstream education.

As a consequence she has been outside formal high school for around two and half years, which she noted has really knocked her confidence.

However despite facing some challenges, Paige has not let her condition slow her down or stop her from pursuing her dreams.

She now studies at Craig Ormerod Associates and hopes one day to go into acting or modelling.

Paige also attends classes at the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop at The Rock, and volunteers at the drama school and helps to teach the younger children.

With just weeks to go until the Miss Teen Great Britain final, Paige is one of only a handful of young girls still in the running for the illustrious title.

She said: "I want to be an advocate for teenagers who like me have faced many challenges and never given up and despite the negative comments, and stigma associated with ADHD ­— it is very difficult to live with not only for me but my family too.

"I have become very resilient and determined to succeed. I would be amazed if I was to get to the finals."

One of the biggest such competitions in the country, Miss Teen Great Britain prides itself on not being a beauty contest but rather a platform to celebrate teenagers and their achievements and goals.

The contest's creators say the competition is designed to be a fun and exciting confidence-building opportunity, as well as a chance for entrants to make new friends.

If Paige makes it through the semi-finals she will take part in the grand final weekend ­— including a beauty queen challenge day, a pyjama diva party and the grand final itself.

In addition to the coveted crown the ultimate Miss Teen winner will also enjoy a year of appearances, charity work and modelling opportunities.

Paige's mum, Naomi Smith, said: "Despite Paige's difficulties if she sets her mind to something she completes the process.

"We are very proud of Paige and she is an inspiration to children who struggle with education but carry on regardless."