AN aspiring beauty queen from Haverigg is set to follow in her role model's footsteps.

Aoife Crocker is drawing inspiration from model Skye Mitchell, from neighbouring Millom, having reached the finals of the Junior Miss North West competition.

Miss Mitchell, a former Junior Miss North West, was killed alongside her friend Caitlin Huddleston in a crash in 2017.

Following the deaths of the two 18-year-olds, Miss Mitchell's family has raised awareness and funds as part of the Skye Full of Stars campaign.

The charity provides funding for young people who are looking to go into further education, travel or achieve their ambitions.

Aoife, who turns 13 in December, is too young to have known Miss Mitchell before she died, but her modelling aspiration attracted the attention of her teaching assistant Sharon Fry - Skye's mum.

Aoife's mum Julie Crocker said: "She got into modelling around two years ago and I just encouraged her and said to go with her heart.

"She entered the Junior Miss competition and got through the first stage and now she's reached the finals which will take place in April.

"She had to find a sponsor, and Millom gift shop Spoilt for Choice has very kindly agreed to sponsor her, and Aoife also has to raise at least £200 for charity.

"One of her chosen charities is A Skye Full of Stars.

"Aoife uses Skye's make-up blogs for inspiration and is hoping to follow in her footsteps."

This Saturday Aoife, a pupil at John Ruskin School in Coniston, will take to the catwalk at a fundraiser at the Beggars Theatre in Millom which has been organised to raise money for Skye's charity.

Mrs Crocker added: "Skye's mum has very kindly allowed Aoife to come to the event early, because of the lighting, and have a photoshoot done wearing her sash and tiara which she will wear at the Junior Miss finals.

"Photographer Milton Haworth, who knew Skye well, will do the pictures and then they'll be used on the Junior Miss Facebook page."

Aoife, a former pupil at St James Catholic Primary School in Millom, will be tasked with sourcing her own outfit for the final based on the theme of recycling.