A nine-year-old schoolgirl from Kilburn is heading to Disneyland Paris after making it to the finals of an international beauty pageant.

Marianna Panunzio, of Burchington Road, was chosen by pageant organisers Face of the Globe to compete in the junior category at the contest in Paris on October 25.

“I am so excited about going to Disneyland and meeting other girls from all over the world, and I also can’t wait to meet all the Disney characters,” said Marianna who attends St Eugene de Mazenod Catholic Primary School in West Hampstead.

Marianna is also working hard to fundraise for the Rainbow Child Foundation - an international charity which helps and provides for underprivileged children – supported by Face of the Globe.

She said: “I think (Paris) will be a great experience and I would love to win so that I can carry on with the work to help support the Rainbow Child Foundation in other countries.

“I have never taken part in a beauty contest before and it is giving me great confidence, especially with interviews and when people ask me to explain about the charity when I’m out fundraising.”

“If I win the title ‘Face of the Globe 2013’ I would be really happy to receive my crown and especially to meet all the children in South Africa that are being helped by the Rainbow Child Foundation.”

Marianna also studies drama, singing and dance at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in central London.

She has trained as a Latin dancer since she was four years old and aspires to be an actress.

“I also would like to become a doctor or a vet as i like helping people or animals when they are hurt or not well,” added Marianna.

With the help of her mother Lorena, Marianna is holding a fundraising Zumbathon this Sunday, October 13 at the Charteris Sports Centre in Queens Park from 2pm-5pm.

Tickets are £10 and admission is free for under 10s.

Visit www.FaceOfTheGlobe.com to follow Marianna’s progress.