Schoolgirl, 11, left scarred for life after aerosol can blew up in her face

A SCHOOLGIRL left scarred for life when an aerosol can blew up in her face said she "couldn't even look at herself" in the mirror.

Brave Emily Owen, 11, was severely injured when a child chucked the can into an allotment bonfire in County Durham in 2015.

The schoolgirl, then aged nine, had tried to protect the other youngster but was hit in the face by the aerosol as it travelled at 150mph.

Emily is now working to help others after she overcame her own battle with self confidence.

She said: "When it first happened I was screaming. I just couldn't look at myself but I want to show people it doesn't make you any less of a person.

"If you've got a scar it's part of who you are and it's what's on the inside that counts."

Emily was rushed to hospital after the horror and was told by medics she could have lost an eye if the aerosol can had struck her an inch higher.

But she has not let her injuries get her down and has raised £7,000 for charity with the help from her parents.

The schoolgirl is also an ambassador for Changing Faces, a charity providing advice and support to those with a visible difference – including a mark, scar or condition.

Her proud mum Nicola Owen, 37, said: "When it happened, we went through every emotion, we were absolutely heartbroken.

"We even had to take the mirrors away because Emily didn't want to look at herself.

"It took time, but she's really got her confidence back and we are so incredibly proud of her and all the work she is doing."

Emily now plans to continue raising money and is hoping to take part in a charity parachute jump with her dad next year.

The youngster is also helping others embrace their scars with her YouTube channel and even gives out make up tips.