Two Pembroke girls are travelling to Disneyland Paris next week to represent Wales in a worldwide beauty pageant.

Sixteen-year-old Lucy Mottram and 11-year-old Shakira Evans were selected as finalists in their categories in the Welsh heats of Face of the Globe in Cardiff in July.

Lucy, who is studying beauty therapy at Pembrokeshire College, and Shakira, who is in her first year at Pembroke School, will make their way to London on Monday (October 21), where they will receive their official crowns and sashes ahead of the Face of the Globe grand final in Paris later in the week.

The girls thanked all their family and friends for their support and added: "This is such an exciting time for us, and the fact that we are representing our country at such a prestigious beauty competition is an absolute pleasure.

"We have had so much pleasure, too, raising money by doing raffles and making cookies and cakes for the contest's charity, The Rainbow Child Foundation."

This charity helps underprivileged children and their families from all over the world and was founded by former X-Factor finalist Chico. Chico will be hosting the show in Paris, along with pageant director Lucie Hide.

Lucy's mum, Pauline, and Shakira's mum, Libby, said: "We are very proud of what our girls have achieved so far and wish them all the very best in the competition.

"There has been so much negative feedback about pageants from the media, but these pageants are fun - they build up the girls' confidence and they meet new friends."