IT could be a big year for this newly-crowned carnival queen who is hoping to make the news in more ways than one.
Not only will 17-year-old Emma Corten lead Ponty-pool's summer carnival, she might find herself on the catwalk for Miss Wales, which this year is being held in Cardiff.
The Coleg Gwent student, who is studying for her A-levels told the Argus she plans to study journalism.
In the meantime, it's all about enjoying the present, and the possibility of making it to the Miss Wales finals.
"It's my first try, and I have been selected for interview by the judges," said Miss Corten, from Blaendare Road, Pontypool.
She said: "It's just a bit of fun really, and a chance to meet people. I've made it this far, so who knows?"
And becoming Pontypool carnival queen could be her first step to stardom - it was for former Miss Wales, Sophia Cahill. She took the title in 2000 and is now a jet-set glamour model.
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