AN A-Level student who was bullied at school is in the semi-final of a beauty pageant.

Jessica Venner, 16 from West Hatch High School in Chigwell, had her life made a misery by bullies who picked on her.

Having lost all confidence, the sixth form pupil said she needed to do something to get back at the bullies.

She said: "I entered because I wanted to boost my confidence. When I got through I couldn't believe it.

"I have been through a lot and what I really want and hope for is that other people who have been bullied will be inspired by my story."

Jessica beat 5,000 other entrants to earn a place in the final 50 and is now relying on people's votes to push her through to the final.

She said: "I didn't think I would get anywhere, even though I hoped that I would because I wanted other people to know that I could do this.

"It would mean so much to me if I won, it's a lot to think about. My friends were so happy when they found out but shocked at the same time because they didn't think I would do anything like that."

The shy teenager is now waiting to find out if she will reach the final on August 13 and be in with the chance of representing the UK in an international pageant, as well as winning a whole new wardrobe of clothes, a fashion portfolio and an introduction to Rage Model Agency.

Jessica said: "I would love to go into modelling now. I did a photo shoot and it was brilliant and I would love to do more of that in the future."

To vote for Jessica text Jessica Venner to 84205 or visit missteenqueenuk.com.