TWO girls have beaten off the competition to represent Newport at next year’s national Miss Wales final.

Keeley Jones, 17, of Langstone and Kelsey Short, 20, of Newbridge have both qualified for the beauty pageant next year with one to be crowned Miss Newport ahead of the event.

Both girls were interviewed by competition organisers before being shortlisted and named as winner and runner-up.

The Miss Wales competition is to be held in Cardiff in March 2015.

Miss Jones, who has delivered the Argus since she was 13, said: “It’s something really nice to do, I’ve met lots of nice people and made good friends with Kelsey.”

The Caerleon Comprehensive School student added: “I always like to be involved in charity organisations. I always do Operation Christmas Child, it’s something I always enjoy.”

Miss Jones is also training to be an assistant leader with the Scouts and will be studying for an art foundation course next year.

Miss Short, a qualified hairdresser, said her friend recommended she enter the competition while Miss Jones saw the advertisement on facebook.

Miss Short, who enjoys swimming and horse riding, said: “I’m enjoying the team challenges we had to do, we had to get on the radio and did some work together on the 16 day campaign to stop violence against women.

“I’m excited and nervous about the event in March.”

One of Miss Short’s more unusual hobbies includes powerbocking, which involves performing tricks on spring-loaded stilts.

She added: “It’s just amazing, you learn new tricks every day. I just started doing front flips on grass, next is to try it on concrete.”