A young girl from Mill Hill has been chosen to represent the area in a beauty pageant this month.

Elloise Joseph, 11, has been selected as the entrant representing north west London in the junior category of the beauty pageant Miss British Empire.

The pageant will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Oxford Road, Gerard’s Cross, on August 24, where Elloise will have the opportunity to use her performance skills to impress the judges.

Elloise was recently awarded a drama scholarship to St Mary’s and St John’s Church of England School in Prothero Gardens, Hendon, the skills for which she will put to good use in the pageant.

She said: “I am thrilled to be part of such an exciting pageant and proud to represent north west London.

“This means a lot because I have finally get to show my talents and skills.

“Now I know anyone can achieve there dreams.”

Elloise also said she would love to be an actress in the furute, performing in television and theatre, and enjoys dancing and singing in her spare time.

In order to achieve her place in the pageant, Elloise met with the pageant organiser in London before going through a photo round, where she was chosen as the finalist based on photos taken.

Her mother, Mariam Joseph, said: "I am so proud of everything Elloise has achieved, she has worked so hard and her confidence has grown.

"I hope she goes on to achieve all her dreams.

"Being chosen for Miss British Empire is a massive achievement - well done Elloise!"

The pageant has been running since 2011 and was founded by Welsh television presenter and former Miss Great Britain Liz Fuller.

Contestants come from countries all over the world which have been part of the British empire, including Australia and India, and an international pageant will take place for the finalists.

While the competition was originally aimed at women, it has incorporated categories for men and boys, as well as the “Classic” round for those over-45s.

The Mr division was introduced in 2013 and later in 2015 the upper and lower age divisions were added to offer younger and older contestants the opportunity to showcase their talents.

The children’s categories start with the Minis at four years old, before categories for Juniors, Teens, Miss, which goes up to 27 years old, and Ms and Mrs before the Classic category.