A Bristol teenager is taking part in a beauty pageant to challenge stereotypes.
Thirowshie Srijeyaram will be representing Bristol in a national beauty pageant called Miss Teen Great Britain, with the final being held in October.
The 16-year-old from Brislington is passionate about body positivity.
She said: "Stereotypically, girls who take part in pageants are skinny and tall.
"I wanted to try to change that and show you don't have to be a certain size to be beautiful."
Thirowshie said she had an Asian background and most Sri-Lankan actresses are "skinny and have a light skin".
"I want to show you do not have to be like that and challenge stereotypes," she continued. "I am a brown skin girl and I am proud of that.
"I am also a size 14 so I was really scared and nervous to enter - I didn't think I would get in.
"When I got the email saying they thought I looked really beautiful, it boosted my confidence and it has really helped me."
Thirowshie said this was the first pageant she took part in, adding she thought pageants would be a good way to start modelling.
She was inspired by her cousin, who took part a few years ago and won.
"She told me about it and she said it was a great experience that gave her confidence," she continued. "Growing up, I didn't have a lot of confidence so I wanted to do something which was out of my comfort zone."
Thirowshie said she was hoping to make new friends by taking part as well, adding she has so far raised £700 for charity.
In order to get into the competition, the teenager had to send pictures of herself and answer a series of questions regarding her interests and inspirations, among others.
"I only started taking music classes recently, when I was 13," she continued. "I am learning Indian traditional music also known as Carnatic music and I also sing pop and jazz.
"I make covers on Instagram and post them - music is my medicine for life.
"No matter how much of a bad day I have, listening to music or singing really brightens up my day."
Thirowshie said her plan is to go to university to study law, but she is also interested in becoming an actress so she would also love to go to India and pursue an acting career after graduating.
