A TEENAGER who had to learn to walk again after breaking her ankle is winning a series of awards on the catwalk.

Casie Austin, who lives in Pickering, was crowned Miss Teen Top Model in June and has since gone on to reach the grand finals of other competitions.

The 15-year-old, who is studying her GCSEs at Lady Lumley’s School, broke her ankle three years ago leaving her unable to walk properly.

Her mum Nichola said: “Casie had casts on, braces and crutches and finally had her operation to remove bones, cut and reattached her tendons in her ankle in October 2017.

“She went through a lot of pain, physiotherapy and check ups and learnt to walk properly pain again.

“This lead her to progress again in school, completing her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and is now currently doing her silver award, while being able to follow her career path to study drama.

“Casie entered the beauty pageant Miss Teen Top Model in June, putting her first heels on in two and half years and she came first which was absolutely amazing.”

Nichola said Casie’s success has opened up a number of opportunities for her in other competitions, including Miss Diamond 2019 in America.

“She is also raising money for a number of charities, including SANDS, the Dorset Children Foundation and Ryedale Special Families,” she said. “Fundraising has been done through raffles and a sponsored skydive. Casie will continue to arrange charity events, but would like to say a massive thank you to all businesses and friends for donations of prizes, for sponsorship and advertising events in both Pickering and Malton.”

For more information on forthcoming fundraising events, go to Miss Diamond 2019 Casie Austin Info Page on Facebook.