A TEENAGER has been crowned Miss Charitable at the Miss Manchester Finals.

Beauty pageant contestant Carissa Grice was awarded the prize for raising the most money out of the contestants.

The 19-year-old raised £550 for the competition charity Beauty With A Purpose — which raises money for children's charities across the globe. The money was raised at a fundraiser event held at the Tamarind Table Indian restaurant in Atherton, put on by the generosity of restaurant owner and charity campaigner Fozlur Rahman.

Carissa joined the Miss Manchester competition after being spotted by chance at the NEC Birmingham Clothes Show.

After successfully getting through two rounds she entered the final against 40 other hopefuls in a bid for one of the top prizes.

The final, which was held at The Palace Theatre inManchester, saw the contestants compete in three rounds LA day wear, sports wear and glamour wear and 12 girls were then put through to the final stage to compete for Miss Manchester, Miss Charitable, Miss Fashionista and Miss Popular.

Carissa from Astley, who is an apprentice beautician inTyldesley, said: "I am so happy. The completion great. At first I thought it was going to be hard to raise money for charity but I did it in the end.

"The final was amazing and everyone looked gorgeous. I can't believe I won Miss Charitable.

"I feel proud of myself for raising the most money and a lot of people have told me that's the best award you could win because the event is based on charity.

"I don't think I will be doing any more beauty pageants but I can definitely say it was an enjoyable experience that I will never forget and I've made a lot of new friends out of it but I would like to do more charity events."

Her father, Rob, owns The Barber Shop next door to his wife's businesses, Iron Maiden Ironing in Chapel Street, Leigh.

Carissa has now been entered in to the semi final of Miss England alongside Miss Manchester winner Jodi Eyre, Miss Fashionista Bethany and Miss Popular Brittany.