Miss Rochdale 2009 - Frankie Whitworth

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 21 November 2009

Frankie Whitworth of Queensway was crowned Miss Rochdale 2009 at the stylish grand final that took place on Friday night (20 November) at the Broadfield Park Hotel in front of a packed audience.

Miss Whitworth was filled with a mixture of emotions, she said: “I am so happy, I’m ecstatic, I never thought I would win, I have never entered anything like this before.

“I am really proud of all the other girls who have taken part as well, it has been really nerve racking but I have made some new friends and had a really good time.”

Almost two months ago, Rochdale Online started the search for Miss Rochdale 2009, over 1300 online public votes later the finalists were chosen.

In a bid to impress the judges, each of the finalists took to the stage twice, once in an outfit of their own choice and once in swimwear of their own choice, they were also interviewed by the compere, Paul Turner-Mitchell of 25 Ten Boutique.

Miss Rochdale 2009 Finalists:

• Antoinette Barrett
• Kelly Michelle Brophy
• Alex Hughes
• Emma Hyde
• Leanne Kershaw
• Josie-Beth Lewis
• Claire Nicholson
• Louise Tierney
• Vicki Walker
• Frankie Whitworth

The four judges; Pauline Journeaux - Managing Director, Rochdale Online, Maggie Haroon - Make Up Artist at The Studio, Rochdale, Oliver Hope - Denis Hope Clothing, Rochdale and Greg Couzens - Greg Couzens Hair Salon, Rochdale, then left the room to make their decision.

The contestants came back onto the stage, nervously waiting for the results.

Chairman of the judges, Greg Couzens announced that Frankie Whitworth, aged 21, was the winner, she was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a tiara and a Miss Rochdale 2009 sash.

Miss Whitworth, won a fabulous prize worth over £2000:

• Hair care and products from Greg Couzens for a year
• Clothes from Denis Hope
• Clothes from 25 Ten Boutique
• Lingerie from Chantilly
• Make over and photo shoot at The Studio
• Bouquet from Funky Floral Design

Karen Whitworth, Frankie’s Mum, said: “I am really pleased for her and really very proud, it is the first time she has entered anything like this and we have all really enjoyed it.”

Judge and sponsor, Oliver Hope, of Denis Hope Clothing said: “Tonight is fantastic; it is a great event to be involved with and a great way to promote Rochdale.”

Greg Couzens described the event as ‘tremendous’ he said: “The atmosphere has been wonderful, I don’t think I expected the audience to be so lively, everybody has had a really great night.

“My compliments go to all the girls; they were all brave to even enter the competion and my congratulations to the winner.”

Paul Turner-Mitchell, compere of the contest, is already thinking about next year’s competition, he said: “All the girls did remarkably well. Next year I think this competition will go from strength to strength and we will see more people wanting to take part.

“Everybody enjoyed themselves and that’s the main thing.”

Managing Director of competition organisers Rochdale Online, Pauline Journeaux, said: “The thing which really impressed me about the girls was how they all talk about Rochdale, they were all really positive, they were proud of their qualifications and all have ambitions and know what they want to do next.”

Maggie Haroon, who did the make-up for the fashion show and was also a judge for the Miss Rochdale 2009 contest, said: “It has been really exciting to be a judge, I think everybody did really well and my favourite won, she is a very nice and modest person who didn’t expect it at all.

“Today has been such good fun and Rochdale Online did a great job at organising the event.”