Merissa overjoyed after landing Miss Earth spot

Aug 12 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

MERISSA LENNON is on cloud nine after winning a public vote to reach the final of an environmental pageant.

The 20-year-old, from Townhead, has thanked Advertiser readers after their support helped her to clinch a place in this month’s showpiece decider of the Miss Earth contest.

She will now take part in the grand final in Birmingham next Saturday as one of seven Scottish contenders vying with other entrants from all over the UK for the national title.

Merissa said: “My dream is just starting and there’s a lot more work to be done now, so my fingers are crossed!

“I’m really grateful to the Advertiser and its readers for their support – I received a total of 599 text and phone votes. The input from the people of Coatbridge and Airdrie definitely influenced the votes I received.”

The former St Bartholomew’s Primary and St Ambrose High pupil hopes to win the judges’ approval at the grand final with her proposal to visit Monklands’ schools to run workshops and second-hand fashion shows, with proceeds going to the youngsters’ eco-committees.