A Forest Gate teenager is representing St Kitts and Nevis in the first ever Miss Teen Caribbean UK contest.

Newham Recorder: Renee Cocker will represent St Kitts and Nevis in the first Miss Teen Carribean UK contestRenee Cocker will represent St Kitts and Nevis in the first Miss Teen Carribean UK contest (Image: Archant)

Renee Cocker, 17, hopes to inspire the younger generation through her involvement in the competition.

“I mainly want to gain confidence and exposure and to be a role model for young girls as well,” she explained. “Life is not just about going out to parties, you can do things like this as well which can be really beneficial.”

Renee, who lives in Eric Road, has had etiquette and salsa lessons in preparation for Saturday’s competition at the Brixton Academy, where she will be sponsored by SAMA Media.

She will be in the running for two awards - the people’s choice award, which members of the public can vote for now, and the judges’ vote which will be decided on the night.

Renee, who is currently studying a NVQ in beauty therapy at the London College of Beauty Therapy, is looking forward to taking part in the team dance on the night, giving a talk about St Kitts and Nevis and reading a self-penned poem.

“To be able to say that I was part of the first competition and, if I win, to be the first winner would be really special,” she added.

Renee’s mum, Brucine Francis, says she is proud that Renee is part of the inaugural competition.

“She is quite shy and reserved so I think it will be a great opportunity to develop her public speaking and meet some high profile people,” she said.

To vote for Renee, visit missteencaribbeanuk.com

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