BEAUTY queen hopefuls from across the region are pampering themselves before the finals of the Miss Anglesey and Gwynedd competition.
Friday’s regional final, held at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham, will act as a qualifier for the Miss Wales 2010 competition to be held later in the year.
With the competition just around the corner, we introduce the contestants for this year’s competition.
Kirsty Glover, a 20 year old zoology with marine zoology student at Bangor University, is one of the contestants being backed by a facebook campaign to win the coveted title.
Miss Glover has previously been involved in charity work, including conservation work during her time in 6th form and activities with vulnerable adults.
“Being part of Miss Anglesey and Gwynedd is all very exciting and I really hope I can carry on the competition into Miss Wales.” she said.
“I’m a little nervous, but still excited!”
19 year-old Rhian Jones, from Caernarfon, is a sports science student at Bangor University, who dreams of one day travelling the world teaching children.
Tregarth born and bred Elin Stewart, meanwhile, hopes to help support businesses and charities in the area by winning the competition.
“I’ve chosen to go to university and stay here as I like the area, and I’d love to be a key person in the area by supporting local businesses and charities, which I feel passionate about.”
Elin will take time out from writing a dissertation for her creative studies degree at Bangor University to compete in the competition, and hopes to go on to a career in events management.
She has already helped organise events for over 400 people in the local area, and as an avid Everton Football Club supporter, hopes to reach her goal in Friday’s final.
Cassie Stevens, a trainee hair stylist at The salon, Menai Bridge, is looking forward to competing in her first beauty contest.
“I’m nervous and don’t know what to expect, but I’m really excited” she said.
“I’ve always liked helping people and this will give me a chance to get involved with charity work.”
The contest’s youngest competitor, 17-year-old Emma Courbould, is currently taking a course in public services at Coleg Menai.
Miss Courbould, from Pentraeth, hopes to go on to a career in the police force.
Jade Richardson will travel up from Cardiff to take part in the competition, where she is currently taking a post-graduate course in International Public Relations.
Jade, who is originally from Pentraeth, is competing in the Miss Anglesey and Gwynedd competition as part of her attitude to make the most of the chances available in life.
“I wanted to show people that there is a world full of opportunities if you want it enough” she said.
The 22-year-old also hopes to go into events management after her studies, and is a keen supporter of the Help for Heroes campaign, with her sister having served in the conflict in Afghanistan.
Katie Griffiths, from Anglesey, is currently studying sociology and criminology at Liverpool John Moores University, and plans to go on to further study forensic science.
The 20-year-old is a keen sports fan, taking part in cross country and hockey, as well as the “Total Eclipse” netball team.
Finally, 18-year-old Natasha Pritchard hopes that winning the contest will help her on her way to a career as a movie star.
“I’d like to be a dancer or an actress like Angelina Jolie” said the performing arts student.
“I saw Miss World on TV and it was great - this is a brilliant experience and a chance to help people.”
All funds raised from the final will go towards the Joshua Foundation, providing holidays and experiences for children with terminal cancer
Last year’s campaign raised £120,000, with hopes that this year’s event can raise even more money for the charity.
Tickets for the event cost £16, with more information at www.misswales.co.uk.