A teenager who was bullied at school over her red hair has been selected as a finalist in the Miss Wales 2023 contest.

Eighteend-year-old Lydia de Jong Evans from Monmouth is an apprentice at a livery yard in Llangwendr currently going through her BHS stages.

She hopes to get into Veterinary school after gaining some life experience and getting to grips with the equine industry.

Lydia, who is sponsored by businesses Bean and Bread and Blacks Accountancy Services, said: “I’m really excited for 2023 and the adventures in store through the Miss Wales competition.

‘‘My priority is to fundraise for the Miss World charity, recently I walked Pen Y Fan ten times in 48 hours and raised £770 for Beauty With A Purpose.

‘‘Another priority of mine is to spread the Miss Wales message of confidence in young women.

‘‘As a redhead growing up, I really struggled in school with bullying, I am determined to make sure that young girls know that ginger hair is such a beautiful and rare trait, and to have such positive and proud thoughts regarding their hair colour and freckles.

‘‘I’m also looking forward to all the friends and memories I’ll make along the way.”

The Miss Wales 2023 final will take place in April and involve a three-day event including an empowerment day designed to boost the confidence of contestants; the Miss Wales Charity Ball in aid of the Miss World charity Beauty With A Purpose; and a catwalk event in front of an audience and panel of judges.

The events will take place in the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and The Riverfront in Newport.