A beauty queen left needing skin grafts after spilling hot gravy on her leg as a child has said she owes her success to the horrific incident.
Harriotte Lane was just 12 when she spilled hot gravy on her leg which left her in agony and needing major surgery.
The accident hit at an age where many youngsters suffer a confidence crisis and for Harriotte, now 18, it was devastating.
She said: "I had to have surgery and skin grafts," she said. "My confidence fell completely, I wouldn't wear skirts or shorts.
"It was just a simple mistake and was such a shock for me at the age of 12.
"But in a way, I'm now grateful for it. Without it, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now."
After the accident that her mum Sarah entered her into a beauty pageant to help boost her confidence.
She then went on to win several titles, including Miss Junior Teen Great Britain and Miss Teen Galaxy England, and now she has added another crown to her name - Miss International UK.
Harriotte said she was overjoyed when she was announced as the winner.
"All the women were so inspiring to me and everyone worked very hard," she added.
"I did not think I would win. It was the most magical moment ever."
The contest involved swimwear and evening wear rounds as well as a section where all the contestants were interviewed by the judging panel.
They were asked questions about their future plans and why they wanted to win the title.
Harriotte, who is studying fashion and business retail at Newcastle College, said: "It was like a job interview.
"I was one of the youngest contestants and they wanted to know how I would cope.
"I said I was independent and told them about the different platforms I was involved in."
The youngster, from West Allotment, will now represent the country at the Miss International pageant, due to take place in Japan in November.
Harriotte, a former pupil of Kings Priory in Tynemouth, has also helped to raise around £70,000 for charity over the years, and is a former Chronicle Champions winner.
She is an ambassador for Out of Sight, a North East charity which supports families of visually impaired and disabled children.
Harriotte said: "It feels great to get this far and I'm really looking forward to representing the country in Japan. I want to do the UK proud.
"When I look back, it all goes back to that burn on my leg and my mum entering me for a pageant.
"She didn't even tell me she had done it, she just applied and I made it through. It gave me so much confidence to do things like speak in public.
"At the moment, I'm just taking every opportunity that comes my way. Raising awareness of charities, such as Out of Sight, is important to me and I want to continue doing that."
Her supporters have started a JustGiving page to help raise funds towards her national costume for Miss International. Donations can be made here.
