Rustington’s Lily bid to pick up a new crown

Lily Stancomb, 14, from Rustington, is one of a handful of teenagers to be selected as finalists for the prestigious Face of Sussex competition, due to take place in Hastings, next month.

If she is successful, Lily could well find herself representing the UK on a grander scale, overseas, as part of the Face of Europe international finals, held in Disneyland Paris.

Lily said she couldn’t believe it when she heard the news about her selection.

“When I was told I had made it through as a finalist for Face Of Sussex, I was thrilled but also a little nervous, because I’m sure the competition is going to be pretty fierce.

“My family is coming to watch me on the night, so this should help boost my confidence. I have enjoyed preparing my outfits and raising funds for the charities and cannot wait to meet everyone,” she said.

The Sussex event will be held on Sunday, July 1, at the Azur Marina Pavilion. Three overall winners will be crowned, one from each age group, with all the winners earning a trip to Disneyland Paris to compete in the finals.

The runners-up will also be offered a place at the competition, subject to sponsorship.

The contest supports two very worthy causes, Headway, which is a head injury support charity, and the Rainbow Child Foundation.

Last year saw 21-year-old hairdresser Hollie Galletly, from Hastings, crowned the Face of Europe.

Since winning the competition, she has appeared in a music video alongside X Factor star, Olly Murs, been cast in a Bollywood Movie and has toured the globe, taking part in various fashion events.

Now Lily hopes to emulate Hollie’s success. She thanked her sponsor, The Nelson Hotel, in Littlehampton, and teachers for their help, adding: “I hope I can do them and Rustington proud.”