A TULLIBODY youngster is gearing up for the trip of a lifetime.

Kaitlyn Shields will head across to France to participate in the Face of Europe and the World next month.

She is really excited about the visit to Disneyland Paris, and will be jetting off on an aeroplane for the first time, where she will compete as Junior Face of Crown and Glory Scotland.

The 12-year-old first became involved in the world of pageants in 2015 after hearing about them through a friend.

Then, after taking part, she decided it was something she wanted to do and according to mum Angela she “caught the bug for it”.

She said: “Kaitlyn loves meeting new people. The girls are so friendly and the mums give a lot of help to each other.”

The five day trip will kick off on May, Friday 26 when Kaitlyn and Angela head down to Folkestone to meet others from the UK.

She will take part in a packed event that includes a gala presentation, party dress round, open round, princess dress and more.

As part of the charity aspect of the pageant, the Kaitlyn has also been raising money for brain injury association Headway.

She took on a bag pack at Morrison's in Alloa over the weekend and is all set to take on a shark dive in Queensferry.

To help Kaitlyn meet her £500 fundraising target, email Angela on angela-shields1@sky.com for more details on how to donate.