A TEENAGE beauty pageant contestant has told how she overcame mental health issues in the hope of motivating other young women to embrace themselves.

Ella Collins-Godden has been selected from thousands of applicants to compete in the South East heats of the Miss England pageant on June 23 at Pontins Camber Sands in Rye.

The winner will progress to compete in Miss England and then on to the Miss World competition in Thailand.

Ella, of Williams Road, Shoreham, has been competing in beauty contests for six years.

She won the title of Royal International Miss UK Teen in July 2017 and represented the UK in Florida for the international title, in which she came second runner-up.

The 18-year-old started competing in pageants to rebuild her confidence after being bullied and now is a mental health advocate.

She added: “I was home educated and when I started school, I was bullied by other pupils.

"The teachers were not professional, they didn’t address the issue.

The Argus:

“To improve my confidence, I took part in beauty contests and it helped because you are given titles and you are rewarded for working hard.

“In the Miss England South East semi-finals, contestants are judged on their charity work, media appearances, evening gown, little black dress and fitness wear.”

Ella also shared her future aspirations and has a message for young women.

She said: “I have been working as a children’s nanny since I was 16.

“I want to be involved in the entertainment industry. I want to do singing, dancing and acting.

“Pageants have helped me through some dark times. I also want to thank my hair sponsor Sparkle by Caroline and my beauty sponsor Body Heaven at Lancing Manor for their support.

"There is so much support and friendships among the competing girls.

“I was diagnosed with depression when I was 16 and I was on medication.

“I was chaotic for a while but I pulled myself around.

“I am now a mental health advocate and I hope to inspire other young women to be confident about themselves.

“I know it’s cliched but just be yourself.

“Many people don’t feel confident because they try to be someone else.

"You should embrace every aspect of yourself, and only be friends with people who appreciate for who you are. I have a weird sense of humour and I embrace it."