A GREEN-thinking teenager from Basingstoke will represent her county in the final of a pageant which raises awareness of environmental issues.

Isabelle Heath will compete in the Miss Earth Pageant in Birmingham on September 21, with the hope of claiming the Miss Earth England title.

The 19-year-old, from Gabriel Park, Kempshott, was in The Gazette in 2011, when she took part in the controversial Miss Teen Queen UK contest, which was criticised by charity Kidscape for sexualising young girls by making them parade on a catwalk in a bikini and high-heels.

But Isabelle has continued to follow her dream of succeeding in beauty pageants after a sudden boost of confidence.

She said: “I saw an advert for Miss Earth and registered my interest as I was feeling particularly confident that day. It was the day I took control of my life.”

Isabelle had just booked a flight to visit Australia alone, was studying international business and French at Aston University and had received photos from a professional shoot.

She said: “I thou-ght, why not give it a go as I had nothing to lose.”

A month later, while in Australia, Isabelle found out she had been chosen to represent Hampshire in the final.

The former Brighton Hill Community School pupil had to find sponsorship to pay for her administration costs, and managed to secure a deal with Danebury Racing Stables, in Stockbridge.

The teenager, who works part-time for Robert Dyas, is now preparing to compete in three rounds, including Green Goddess for which she has to design a T-shirt promoting the Miss Earth cause.

She said: “My environmental message is all about looking after our planet’s animals, whether they be domestic or wild. Animals suffer at our hands every day and it needs to stop.

“If everyone was environmentally aware, they would understand the consequences of their actions. I believe animal welfare should be a priority and should be taught in schools.”