Can you help Barnstaple’s Mila shine on the national stage?

A Barnstaple schoolgirl is looking forward to representing her home town on the national stage this July as she bids to take a step towards her dream of performing in TV and film.

Mila-Monroe Gore, aged 12, will be bidding to be crowned UK National Junior Miss at the finals near Blackpool on Friday, July 18, after already winning the UK National Junior Miss Devon title.

A student at The Park Community School, Mila has been involved with the Barnstaple community from a very young age and has been donating toys and raising money for good causes long before she began competing in pageants.

She is a keen a member of Tarka Starlightz Majorettes, where she serves as deputy lead for the pom team. Performing is Mila’s true passion and she hopes to build a career in the television and film industry, whether on screen or behind the scenes.

Above: Mila with her majorette troupe Tarka Starlightz Majorettes.

As well as regularly taking part in fundraising with her troupe, Mila donates to local charity shops and bins and has used her social media to raise awareness for important causes — including head injury and stroke, both of which are close to her heart.

In October 2023, Mila lost her beloved great-grandmother ‘Momo’ to a stroke. Mila is dedicating this pageant journey to her memory and hopes to use the opportunity to raise awareness and honour her legacy.

Above: Mila with her beloved ‘momo’ two years and who is deeply missed.

Mila said: “I’m so proud to represent Devon and compete nationally this year. I’m doing this for my Momo and I want to use my platform to raise awareness about stroke and help others.

“I love performing – it makes me feel confident and happy. Being part of the majorettes has taught me how to be part of a team, how to lead and how to give back.

“When I’m older, I’d love to work in the film and TV industry. I want to create stories that inspire people – whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it.”

With support from mum Connie, Mila has been donating toys at Christmas since the age of three. One Christmas in particular stands out, when she helped a struggling local family with three young boys.

Mila personally purchased toys for them and reached out to Tesco Extra in Barnstaple, which then offered to provide more support for the family.

Connie said: “Mila is an inspiring and confident young girl who has worked hard to earn her title.

“She’ll be representing not only her hometown but the wider Devon community on a national stage — and she’s incredibly proud to do so.”

Above: Mila wants to one day work in film and television, on either side of the camera.

Mila is currently seeking sponsorship to help cover travel, accommodation and competition expenses such as beauty treatments for the upcoming national finals at the Park Hall Hotel near Blackpool.

She is also actively looking for local events to get involved in. If any local organisations, charities, or community groups would like to invite Mila to take part in fundraisers, fun days, awareness events, or public appearances, she would love to help and represent her Devon title.

If you would like to support Mila or invite her to your event, please email Connie Gore on connievictoriadinnage@gmail.com or call 07557 341946.