Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A CATWALK queen of the future could have been created when a seven-year-old girl fought off strong competition to pick up a beauty crown.

But despite this success, bubbly Erin O’Brien would prefer to take the dancing world by storm when she grows up.

The Balloch schoolgirl won the 2009 Junior Loch Lomond Shores title after a panel of judges chose her as the cutest entrant in this year’s competition.

Cara Mooney, Erin’s mum, was bursting with pride when her little star was presented with her prizes, which included a framed copy of her winning photograph, £50 cash and a goody bag with items from a host of shops at the centre.

Read more: Archive Hour: Birds in the hand... kids in the classroom at new wildlife centre

The 25-year-old mum said: “All I really wanted out of this was to get some nice new pictures of Erin, but ended up entering her in the competition as well.

“I was surprised when I heard that she had won, even though I obviously think she is the most beautiful wee girl. I’m really proud of her because she has done really well and is so happy and excited about it all.

“She’s right into dancing though and dances all the time, so I’m not sure if we will see her on the catwalk. Her feet do not stop moving and even her teachers say that.”

Last year’s winner got to take part in a glamourous fashion show in aid of CHAS, which runs Robin House in Balloch, alongside Miss Scotland and it is hoped that Erin will be involved in something similar later this year.

Click here for all the latest news in Dumbarton and the Vale

Cara added: “If the fashion show goes ahead she will love being in front of that many people strutting her stuff.”