A COMMUNITY queen is hoping to carry on the legacy of her 'inspirational' friend who was killed in a car crash.

Beth Bower became the new Miss Community Bolton and Bury in August — a title bestowed on the pageant competitor for her work in the local area.

And the 20-year-old from Deane has dedicated her victory to fellow beauty queen Skye Mitchell from Cumbria, who died in July.

Skye, a former Junior Miss North West, was killed along with her friend Caitlin Huddleston, also 18, when their Toyota Yaris collided with a Ford Transit van near Bootle.

Beth said: "To be given the Miss Community Bolton and Bury title means the world to me. It is in memory of a very valued and loved member of 'team north'.

"Skye, who did a lot of work in her local area Cumbria and raised awareness nationally regarding her anti-bullying campaign, unfortunately passed away just a few months ago aged 18 in a car accident.

"I have been given this opportunity and would like to carry on her legacy in helping others.

"Skye was an inspiration to all girls and always supported others and tried to make the world a better place.

"Throughout my journey in the Miss England heats she is always been someone I have looked up to as an inspiration."

Beth got involved in Miss Bolton and Bury in 2015 and has entered heats including Miss North West 2015, last year's Miss Bolton and Bury and Miss Lancashire 2016.

She entered herself initially as a way of boosting her confidence following what she described as a number of 'negative experiences' throughout her school years.

She has organised events for the community to raise money for various charities including Manchester Children's Hospital, Papyrus, Variety and the Make A Wish Foundation.

Beth recently donated two evening dresses to local charity Urban Outreach for teenage girls to use for their prom.

She has raised around £6,000 in total and is aiming to reach £10,000 by the time she is 23.

She said: "I enjoy making a difference and trying to change stereotypes, too often in today's society young people are portrayed in a negative light.

"I want to highlight that myself and many others, including the friends that I have made through the Miss England heats, try to raise awareness and support those in a less fortunate position than ourselves.

"Also, many people still believe that pageants are based on appearance but this shows how now it is based on being a positive role model and inner beauty.

"I want to use the award as a platform to inspire others, be a positive role model and raise awareness for various causes and organisations within the Bolton and Bury area."

To keep up to date with Beth's work, go to the Miss Community Bolton and Bury — Beth Bower page on Facebook.