A CARING teenager is stepping out onto the red carpet to raise awareness about the damage bullying can do.

Leah Canning, 15, is the only youngster from Inverclyde taking part in the Miss Queen UK, in Glasgow on Sunday.

The remarkable youngster was born three months premature, inset, and doctors feared she wouldn’t celebrate her first birthday.

Now she is fast becoming a catwalk queen while doing her bit for good causes.
Mum Lynette said: “I’m always proud of Leah.

“The doctors gave her a year to live when she was born and look at her now.

“Although she still has health issues it has just made her more determined.

“She wants to be a primary teacher when she leaves school. She loves children.”

Leah who lives in McLeod Street with her mum and gran, also Leah, says tomorrow’s event isn’t a traditional beauty pageant.

Instead it is a platform for highlighting issues such as bullying and discrimination.

She said: “I’ve been trying to raise awareness about these issues which are everywhere in society by talking to people and posting stuff on Instagram and Facebook and on Twitter.

“People think pageants are like the American TV show Toddlers and Tiaras but everyone is really supportive and I’ve made lots of friends — I’ve even met someone from Australia.”

Leah will undergo an interview and evening dress round and will also wear an outfit she had to make herself.

As well as the title and crown, Leah has the chance to win a cash prize and holiday.

Lynette said: “Leah was one of the first people in Inverclyde to take part in pageants and a lot of people have followed in her footsteps.”

Leah wants to thank her sponsors, The Waterfront Cinema in Greenock and Alter Knit in Port Glasgow for helping with her outfit.

David Shaw, of the cinema, pictured with Leah, said: “We are very happy to sponsor Leah by paying the cost of her entry to Miss Queen UK pageant.

“I hope she wins.”