A former Ysgol John Bright pupil is set to take to the international catwalk early next year after being crowned Miss Intercontinental Wales.

Llandudno resident Joey Staerkle claimed the title at the United Kingdom Power Pageant 2018 last month, which is her second major title in as many years having claimed the Miss Supranational Wales 2016/2017.

Ms Staerkle said this latest title was a dream come true and couldn't wait to represent her country at the Miss Intercontinental (World) pageant in the Philippines in January.

The 22-year-old said: "I was thrilled to be announced the winner of Miss Intercontinental Wales 2018/2019 and to represent my country in the Philippines in January.

"Winning the title means the world to me, I am able to continue the legacy of Miss Intercontinental and I have a platform which enables me to continue working with my community.

"I have always wanted to be a beauty pageant queen and admired the gorgeous gowns the girls wear.

"This year I was quite late with entering the pageant but as I believe in myself I thought with hard work and determination I could achieve my dream to represent my country again in a fantastic system.

"I also believe this pageant offers a great platform for me to continue to work on my platform."

Ms Staerkle beat 43 other girls at the power pageant final having impressed a panel of judges through interviews, her own dance and with her presentation in swimwear and eveningwear categories.

In the lead up to the grand final she also raised £440 in10 days for the Christine Foundation thanks to a 10,000ft skydive.

The former John Bright student is looking forward to her up coming roles including designing her national costume which she will wear in the international pageant and working as a goodwill ambassador.

Ms Staerkle said: "As a titleholder, you become associated with many organisations, as a goodwill ambassador. I work with these organisations and attend events to try and raise awareness.

"Additionally, I fundraise for causes that are close to my heart to try and make a difference.

"I always try to be a role model for younger people and try to help out where I can."

She is also hoping to be able to pass on what she has learnt so far in her career to current school pupils to help them with their future endevours.

Ms Staerkle said: "I enjoy undertaking entrepreneurial endeavours and helped sixth form students in the Chester region develop their ideas and believe in themselves.

"This platform enables me to expand my reach and to try and encourage younger adults and children that they can achieve anything they want to if they work hard. Although it is a cliché this is very true.

"There have been many times throughout my academic and personal life that ‘career advisers’ have told me I would not achieve what I wanted and to give up.

"After letting it get to me a few times I thought I will use this to prove them wrong and ever since I have surpassed anyone’s opinion of my abilities.

"I think it is wrong that society label and limit children at a young age without seeing their true ability. I am here to make a change to that."

Alongside her Miss Intercontinental duties she is also a business student at Chester University.

She is also a student academic representative, undertakes entrepreneurial endeavours and represented Chester University at the Young Enterprise Competition.

She added: "My schedule is always pretty busy. I enjoy getting my hands on as many projects and activities as I can all at once.

"I thrive under pressure and perform a lot better than when I have hardy any tasks at hand. I will be away during my studies in January for around three weeks but that just means making sure I have finished my assignments prior to this so I can focus on performing well at the international competition."