Rochdale’s Gwen Raby crowned Miss Southport ahead of Miss England final

Photo: Third Avenue Photography

Miss Southport 2017 Gwen Raby (right) with the current Miss England

Rochdale’s Gwen Raby has been crowned Miss Southport, and is set to represent the English seaside resort in the Miss England final next month.

The 18-year-old, who studies Musical Theatre at Pendleton College, was voted as the winner at the Ramada Plaza Southport on Tuesday.

The current Miss Charity Lancashire 2016/17, Gwen said: “This means I won’t only be representing myself and Rochdale, but I’ll be representing Southport in the Miss England final. I believe that Miss England should be someone that wants to represent all areas in England but representing Southport in this year’s final is an absolute honour.

“The judges said the reason they chose me was because of my charity work and my campaign. To come out on top of the ten shortlisted finalists is one of the best things that's happened to me and I can't wait to continue my work.”

Contestants had to take part in various rounds, including an interview, catwalk and photographic rounds.

The judges included Tracey Badley Robinson from Element 5 Hair and Beauty salon in Southport, Adele Hames from GModels and Casting Agency, the new Mr Liverpool Thomas Khan, Pat Hughes, organiser of Miss Liverpool, and the reigning Miss England, Elizabeth Grant.

Gwen wore a blue floral dress with a matching blue hat for the catwalk round of the competition and impressed the judges in the interview when she revealed she had started her ‘Big Up Sista’ campaign, promoting positive body image and self-esteem to bring girls together and ‘big up each other’.

Gwen won a beautiful bouquet of flowers from June the Florist, a sash and Miss England heat winners crown, £1,000 voucher to spend in Element 5 Hair & Beauty in Southport, a £300 dress voucher from Just Boutique, a photo shoot with Third Avenue Photography and a years’ representation with GModels and Casting.

Ten contestants were invited along to the final interview and photoshoot after organisers received over 35 entrants to the contest from all across England. Miss England is a national contest and accepts entries nationwide. To enter, you need to live within an 80-mile radius of the town or city.

Gwen, who is now looking for a sponsor, will represent Southport in the Miss England final which takes place at Resorts World Birmingham 12-14 July alongside the Mr England contest.

To vote for Gwen to win text 'Miss England17' to 63333 (50p charge applies).