Claire Renton in international beauty pageant

Photo: Anthony Bradshaw

Claire Renton

Claire Renton, of Middleton, has been selected to represent Manchester in the Ultimate Beauty of the World pageant in Northern Ireland next April.

The pageant will be Claire’s first on an international stage after she was handed the title of ‘Ultimate Beauty of Manchester’ ahead of the pageant.

Speaking about how she was chosen as the Manchester representative, Claire said: “I applied last year but I didn’t get a response until recently. They actually sent me a message on Facebook to ask if I wanted to take part and I obviously agreed.

“It was unexpected and I was quite surprised when they contacted me but obviously very happy. It’s going to be a lot harder because it’s international, but I am excited and confident.”

The pageant includes three rounds, with the first and final rounds requiring contestants to wear cocktail and evening dresses respectively. However, the second round challenges those taking part to choose an outfit which reflects their personality, with Claire, 32, describing herself as ‘outgoing, bubbly and friendly.’

Claire isn’t planning to take part in any further pageants until the Ultimate Beauty of the World event next year. Having previously won ‘Miss Charity’ for Face of the Globe, she is again hoping to raise as much money as possible before the pageant.

On her fundraising plans, Claire added: “I have got a family fun day coming up on August 28 at the Welcome Inn in Whitefield. There will be a children’s entertainer, little fairground rides, glitter tattoos, a raffle and other fun things going on as well.

“I’m also planning a fashion show for later this year and will be raising money for the Make A Wish foundation. I really enjoy the charity side of it.”

Taylor-Rae Hamilton, director of the Ultimate Beauty of the World pageant, says her pageant is designed to inspire contestants “to become the ultimate beauty you have always wanted to be.”

It is her belief that “every girl is beautiful in their own way and should never feel the pressure to change who they are to fit into the world of modelling”.

As a result, the pageant director has banished all height and weight restrictions, firmly believing that “true beauty is inner beauty”. The pageant’s chosen beneficiary is the Make A Wish Foundation.

Claire has a few fundraising events planned over the next few months but is still looking for further events that she can attend. To contact her about an event, please email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk and your details will be passed on to Claire.