Carrick pageant girls take home the crown

Sophia Sanlon, 18 months, was crowned Mini Miss NI, while Northern Regional College student Kristen Kavanagh (16) picked up the Miss Teen NI title.

The contest, organised by Models and Pageants NI was held at Belfast Loughshore Hotel on September 10.

Sophia won a one-year contract with Models and Pageants, as well as a hamper full of toys and sweets along with tickets to a family fun day.

The local tot picked also up the Best Recycled Wear award for her yogurt pot dress, made by her mum Tinita Nolan.

Sophia will be making an appearance at a number of fundraising events over the coming weeks, including a ‘Brave the Shave’ for Macmillan Cancer Support in Jordanstown on September 23.

On September 25, she will be helping to raise money for Ronald McDonald house for children during a ‘Day at the Movies’ event in Carrickfergus Omniplex.

Tickets can be purchased in McDonald’s Carrickfergus at a cost of £8, which includes entry to the cinema and a medium meal or Happy Meal.

Sophia and her family will also be taking part in a sponsored walk next month for anti-bullying organisation United Together, the nominated charity for the Junior Miss NI pageant.

Meanwhile, teen winner Kristen will be travelling to Blackpool next month to take part in the Miss Teen Great Britain contest.

The former Downshire student was of 50 lucky competitors picked from a pool of 1000.