A teenager from Suffolk is set to represent the county next month in a national pageant.

Ella Cooke from Ipswich has recently been crowned Miss Suffolk JR teen, and as a result will compete for Miss UK teen JR at the end of March.

The 16-year-old said: "I'm so excited to compete and meet all the girls.

"From what I have seen they are all incredibly kind, which is what I expected.

"It was amazing to meet my wonderful pageant director, Ruth Wade, who is nominated for best National Director.

Ipswich Star: Ella Cooke. Credit: Jason Wade PhotographyElla Cooke. Credit: Jason Wade Photography (Image: Jason Wade Photography)

"She is so welcoming and amazing at her job.

"I have seen so many incredible people gain a platform from competing, which helps them to talk about issues they are an advocate for."

Ella has set herself a challenge in the lead-up to the finals next month, in raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Should Ella be successful, and be crowned Miss UK Teen JR, she will travel to Orlando, Florida to compete in International Junior Miss.