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Beauty on parade
Could Preston be the home of the next Miss England? Well, as the city hasn't had an entry in the competition for years, it seems unlikely. But the current title holder, Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge would like to change all that. She spoke to Elaine Singleton ...
Come on girls. Here is your chance to show how proud you are of your city. The organisers of Miss England haven't seen a contender from Preston for a few years and are keen that the city's beauty's have a go this year.
The reigning Miss England, soldier Katrina Hodge, a Lance Corporal in the Royal Anglian Regiment, took time out of her busy schedule to drop by to Preston and encourage our girls to take part in the competition.
She said it was a good thing to enter because, although it's classed as a beauty pageant, it's not all about looks.
She said: "It's about finding somebody who's going to be an ambassador for Preston. I know I'm not the best-looking girl in the country but I know I can represent England well."
Katrina had never visited Preston before but she lives in Preston Park in Brighton, so there was, she said, a bit of a link. While she was in the city she was taking a little time out to hit the shops but will be returning for the Miss Preston final.
Nicknamed Corporal Barbie, Katrina has been given leave while she takes on her Miss England role.
"I've taken seven months out of the Army. I've spent the whole time travelling, doing different shoots, charity work and meeting new people.
"It's made me a lot more of a confident person and it's really good fun. If you fancy entering, just do it, because there's no stereotype.
"Two years ago I couldn't strut my stuff in high heels on the stage but now I can.
"I absolutely love my (Army) job so I'm looking forward to going back. The lads are more interested in meeting all the other girls. To them, I'm just another one of the lads.
"This year has been a bit mad but it's one of those things I can look back on in years to come and tell the grandkids."
Much more than a traditional beauty pageant or modeling competition, the organisers of Miss Preston are looking for an ambassador for the area. Someone well presented, confident and able to communicate are just some of the qualities that the judges will be looking for. The winner will be actively encouraged to use their title to promote the area and raise the profile of many worthy causes throughout their year.
Event Organiser Nadia Musa said: "We haven't had anyone representing Preston in the Miss England final for a few years, so it's important that this year we have an ambassador to represent the town.
"We're hoping as many local girls as possible enter the competition so we can show the rest of the UK that some of the most beautiful and intelligent girls in the country come from the Preston area."
The winner of Miss Preston 2010 will, amongst other prizes, win a place in the Miss England Final where she will have a chance to go onto Miss World 2010, in Vietnam, where the main prize is $100,000.
Contestants for Miss Preston have until Friday February 26 to enter via the website on www.misspreston.co.uk
They must be aged between 17 and 24, and must never have been married or have children.
This year the Miss Preston organisers aim to raise money for the Variety Club Children's Charity through contestant fundraising and activities.
The competition final will take place in June.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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