A 14-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl is hoping to be crowned the Face Of Europe at a beauty pageant.

Sophie Kent, of Silver Spring Close, Erith, will compete against 30 other 12 to 16-year-old girls from across Europe in the annual competition.

The Erith School pupil has already won the title of teen face of Bexley in the heats on July 8.

She said: "I have been bullied at school, by doing pageants it’s boosted by confidence and improved my people skills.

“I feel much better in myself and I’m not hardly as shy as I used to be.

“It’s been a good way to make new friends.”

Face Of Europe was founded in 2010, and became the world’s first and only beauty pageant to be held in Disneyland Paris.

The final will take place from November 18 to November 23.

Sophie is raising money and awareness for Rainbow Child Foundation and Headway East Kent as part of the competition.

She is also  looking for sponsorship to help her get to the final. If you would like to sponsor her, email lyndakent@talktalk.net

For more information, visit faceofeurope.co.uk