FOR most schoolgirls, picking out that special prom dress ahead of the big night is a memorable occasion.

But a trip to pick up that perfect gown was even more meaningful for one Bolton teenager.

For when 16-year-old Olivia Morris, of The Haulgh, went to The Dress Studio in Culcheth near Warrington, staff recommended she take part in the Miss Teen Great Britain contest.

The former Little Lever High pupil, who now attends Walkden Sixth Form Centre, followed their advice and she made it to the final 16 of the competition earlier this year.

“It was a great experience and I was over the moon to have got that far in my first ever contest.

“I’m so glad that the staff in the dress shop recommended me for it,” said media make-up student Olivia.

Spurred on by her success, Olivia has now put her name forward for another competition next year, Miss Teen Galaxy.

The 56 finalists — shortlisted out of hundreds of entrants — will attend an activities weekend at the Park Hall Hotel in Chorley in early March.

They will be interviewed by a panel of judges and then, at a live event, walk down a catwalk in ball gowns.

Olivia said: “I’m a big believer in doing things for charity so I’ve done things like cake sales and raffles to help The Christie and other good causes.

“That is something I am enthusiastic about and want to talk about in the interview.

“I have a lot of time in the new year to prepare for it and it’s very exciting.

“Winning would bring a lot of opportunities in that I would be representing the contest at future events.

“I am not sure if I would want be a model in future, but I am having fun with the competition and anything else is a bonus.”

Olivia will have the backing of parents Christine and David Morris as well as stepfather Mark Hewison.