A young Derry girl has said she hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change through a prestigious competition.
Zara Campbell is a finalist in the Richmond Centre, Miss Earth Finalist 2018, with the final scheduled to take place at the Waterside Theatre on July 28.
Commenting, Zara explained the reasons for her entering the competition.
"I entered Miss Earth after following Richmond Centre Miss Earth Northern Ireland 2017 Marie Lynch’s journey on social media, and thinking how amazing it would be to advocate something I am passionate about whilst gaining the most amazing experiences doing so.
"This competition shows that all women can make a difference. The ethos of the competition stands for promoting each women’s beauty and drive to advocate an environmental issue they are passionate about, aspiring to make the world a better place.
"The issue I have chosen to advocate is climate change, as I have always been aware and deeply affected by the damaging effects it has had on our planet, and how they have become so much more extreme in recent years.
"From being affected by devastating floods as a community ourselves, I feel Northern Ireland has so much potential in reducing these drastic effects.
"Since entering the competition in December I have carried out a number of Eco-Activities from planting new trees in the community to promoting awareness on the importance of the small things everyone in the community can do at home which can lead to making an overall huge difference, such as changing to energy saving lightbulbs and regularly recycling their waste.
"Throughout these activities I have also raised vital funds for our chosen charity The Playtrail (Pennyburn), through bake sales and an up an coming spin class that is due to take place in Illico Studios in June.
She added: "Since entering the competition I have gained so much confidence and met so many amazing young women."
"The competition has given me such an amazing opportunity to promote and raise awareness on something which I am extremely passionate about whilst being able to run charity events for a local organisation who do so much for young adults with learning disabilities within Derry."
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