THE idea of child beauty pageants divides many, with some finding the concept nothing more than adorable and harmless fun.

But for others the idea of the competition with children, some as young as six-weeks-old, dressed in sparkly dresses and paraded in front of judges as a step too far thanks to pushy parents

For one Andover mother the idea of entering her six-month-old daughter into a pageant is seen as a bit of fun and an activity for the pair to enjoy together.

On September 1, Danielle Wall entered her little girl Isla into a contest run by Teenie Pageants, in Southampton.

She accepts her decision has divided opinion.

“It’s something we both enjoyed and will continue to do whilst she enjoys it, everyone loves showing off their baby so why not,” Danielle said.

“She loves having her photo taken so far I don’t see why this would be an issue! I dress her in lovely clothes and she loves having her picture, anyone that’s met her says she’s the happiest baby they’ve ever met.”

Danielle, aged 20, has also invited her critics along to see for themselves that the young stars enjoy taking part.

“I would say to people come along for themselves. Isla loved it and she loved being centre of attention, but if there was ever a point she didn’t enjoy doing it I would stop.”

During the day, Danielle said that Isla took the competition in her stride and smiled through the whole pageant as she competed in the zero to two-years-old category.

First off, Isla took part in a beauty routine and had to parade in front of the judges, helped on by her mother.

“I walked up with her and made her do a little shake and wiggle. She was smiling the whole time and flapping her arms – she was really getting excited.”

Then came the themed wear section and Isla donned a Beauty and the Beast style dress to wow the crowd in yellow.

And her delight at taking part was infectious as judges awarded Isla with the title of queen – which Danielle expressed is rare for competitor so young.

“It was really great for her to be crowned queen as the judges said it was good to see how much she liked it, and she was also named most beautiful in the category,” Danielle added.

Isla is also signed up with an agency and is involved with a brand, so Danielle said that she is used to having her picture taken.

And the little girl will feature in an advert for a charity.