A teenager hopes to raise awareness about bipolar disorder when she takes part in a modelling competition.

Eighteen-year-old Elisabeth Spyrou found out she was bipolar earlier this year, but instead of beating herself up about it, she decided to take part in the ICM Miss London 2014 contest to help others with the disorder.

Elisabeth, who lives in Cavendish Avenue, Finchley, said: “It had been quite a rough time for me. I was shocked and I just didn’t believe it at first.

“But I soon realised being bipolar is just a part of being me, and I want to be able to talk to people about it.

“I signed up for Miss London to focus my mind on something new, but I also hope to raise awareness about the disorder.”

As part of the competition, Elisabeth is being sponsored by BBC3 Hair Studios in Highgate and will have to organise an event in aid of the Miss World charity, Beauty with a Purpose, which supports disadvantaged children around the world.

To vote for Elisabeth and help her get through to the next round of the competition, send a £1 text with the words MISS HIPPODROME10 can be sent to 64343 before Tuesday, April 22.

You can also vote via Facebook by clicking on this link and "liking" the page as well as Elisabeth’s photo.

She has also set up a fundraising page to raise money for Beauty with a Purpose: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElisabethSpyrou