A BOLTON beauty queen is heading to the USA to take part in one of the country’s most prestigious pageants.

Nicole Jackson, aged 15, has been invited to compete with 50 other girls in America’s Perfect Teen in Florida on August 13.

She is hoping to win the crown, as well as $2,000 cash and an $18,000 scholarship to attend the Connecticut School of Broadcasting after her A-levels.

Nicole, of Alexandra Street, Farnworth, said: “It’s a bit daunting because over here we don’t really know much about pageants, but they take them very seriously in America and they compete from a really young age.”

However, the teenager has no reason to be nervous, having competed herself in pageants from the age of 13 and recently been crowned Miss Teen Face of Europe.

The competition will last four days and include swimwear, evening gown and denim rounds, as well as an interview stage.

“I’m most nervous about the interview,” admitted Nicole. “But that’s the good thing about pageants — they are great for your confidence because you have to get used to speaking about different subjects in public.”

Nicole, who carried the Olympic Torch through Bolton in May, said she would donate the cash to her favourite charities if she won.