A DETERMINED Stourport beauty queen is touring Wyre Forest schools in a bid to help youngsters love themselves for who they are.

The current Miss Wyre Forest Sophie Blundell said she has been shocked to discover some children as young as nine are self-conscious about their height, weight and looks.

But she said she hopes she can be a role model for pupils and encourage them to be proud of who they are. And she added she was delighted the positive feedback she received from the children and see the confidence grow in them.

Her first ‘Love Yourself’ workshop saw her visit her old school, Stourport High, while she has also done a presentation at Wolverley Sebright Primary.

The 23-year-old said: “Most people think you have to look a certain way to do what I do. But I’m not your average, six-foot tall supermodel.

“I’ve not always been confident but I had a lot of support from family and friends and took every opportunity that came up.

“I want children and young people to love themselves, embrace whatever makes them unique and realise it is great to be different regardless of their size, colour or gender.

“It is crazy to know how early it starts in children. There were Year 4 pupils as young as nine and 10 worrying about their appearance and it really shouldn’t be like that.

“And it’s also important to recognise that it affects boys as well as girls.”

She added: “When I started my workshop, I asked them to write five things down that they loved about themselves and, at first, they struggled.

“But I was so pleased to see that by the end they were far more confident. I asked them to write letters to themselves which I want them to open in three months’ time to remind them of what is great about them.

“They didn’t have to show me but one girl did and it was wonderful to read. I had such positive feedback and the children also enjoyed trying on my sash and crown. I hope they are inspired to be the best they can be.”

Sophie will be looking for further success when she competes in the semi-finals for the overall Miss England title at Kelham Hall on July 3.