Gwen’s pledge to serve with honour
TEENAGE beauty Gwendolen Raby took the town by storm winning the Miss Southport crown and sash.
The 18-year-old, who is currently Miss Charity Lancashire 2016/2017, was competing against eight other girls for the title.
All contestants had to take part in various events, including interview, catwalk and photographic rounds.
The girls taking part were also given a brief to wear an eco-friendly outfit (which was either being reused or recycled) that would be appropriate for attending the races.
Gwen, a musical theatre student from Rochdale studying at Pendleton College in Salford, said: “I didn’t expect to win at all. I know that I had put in the hard work but something like this doesn’t usually happen to me.
“I have been competing for two and a half years now, but I just want to carry on everything I have been doing, with my charity work, my work with the homeless and my campaign, Big Up Sista, which promotes positive body image and self esteem for young women.
“I want to work hard and represent Southport well.”
The contest was adjudicated by five judges, including local business owners Tracey Badley from Element 5 and Adele Hames (on behalf of Lisa Hames) from G-Models modelling and casting agency.
Chloe Brown, Miss Southport 2016, said: “Giving away the crown is quite emotional because I was proud of my title, but it is a relief too, because it has been such a busy year.
“Gwen is hard working and determined. She is beautiful both inside and out and I know she is going to do everything she can to represent the town in the best way she can.”
This year’s Miss Southport event was held at the Ramada Plaza hotel on the Promenade.
Gwen will now be entered into the Miss England grand finals, which take place on Friday, July 14, at Resorts World Birmingham. Find out more at www.missengland.info