A Suffolk teenager will fly to the United States in November to compete at the International Junior Miss title.

Ella Cooke, from Ipswich, recently went to Trowbridge in Wiltshire to compete in the Miss UK Teen JR competition and came away with the title.

The 16-year-old, who just finished her GCSEs at Ipswich High School, said it was one of the most "incredible and memorable experiences" of her life.

Ipswich Star: Ella from Ipswich was crowned in Trowbridge. Credit: Jason Wade PhotographyElla from Ipswich was crowned in Trowbridge. Credit: Jason Wade Photography (Image: Jason Wade Photography)

She said: "Competing in nationals taught me pageants are really just about empowering young women all over the world.

"I put in so much hard work and determination into preparing for my interview especially, so when that part of the competition was completed, I felt so proud of how far I'd come.

"Within a year, I had gone from holding an Ipswich title, to a Suffolk title and now a Great Britain title."

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Ipswich Star: Ella will compete in Florida for the International Junior Miss Teen title. Credit: Jason Wade PhotographyElla will compete in Florida for the International Junior Miss Teen title. Credit: Jason Wade Photography (Image: Jason Wade Photography)

Ella will now travel to Orlando, Florida to compete against others from around the world for the international title.

She said: "I always dreamed of competing in America and I absolutely cannot wait to meet and compete with contestants from all over the world, hopefully making some lifelong friends.

"Every single day I count down to when I will be flying over to compete.

"It will be amazing to perform in front of an even bigger audience as I love the excitement and nerves that come with being on stage and growing my confidence."

Ipswich Star: Ella with her Miss Great Britain Teen Junior sash. Credit: Jason Wade PhotographyElla with her Miss Great Britain Teen Junior sash. Credit: Jason Wade Photography (Image: Jason Wade Photography)

At the internationals, she has the chance to be scouted by world-renowned agencies.

Ella does a lot of fundraising during her spare time, with education being a main focus, making it more accessible for those less fortunate.

She continued: "If I were to win internationally, I would love to do some work on awareness for school shootings while I am out there.

"My dream is to one day be able to travel and help with building schools where they are most needed all over the world."

She will fly out to Florida to compete between November 19 and 27. 

Ipswich Star: Ella has just finished her GCSEs at Ipswich High School. Credit: Lisa CookeElla has just finished her GCSEs at Ipswich High School. Credit: Lisa Cooke (Image: Lisa Cooke)