By John Connell

Last updated at 12:21, Friday, 01 March 2013

A west Cumbrian woman is swapping bulky boots and combat trousers for makeup and glamour as she competes in a national beauty pageant.

Claire Beeby

Claire Beeby made it through to the top 10 in last year’s Miss Galaxy England and will represent Cumbria again this weekend.

The 26-year-old from Tallentire near Cockermouth will be up against another 50 beautiful young women.

Claire, who works in security, said: “Last year I was placed in the top 10 which was amazing but this year I’m hoping I can do even better. I like entering pageants because its something different from what I normally do.

“Usually I’m in big boots and combat trousers.

“This is a chance to get dressed up.”

She added: “I have always worked in a man’s world. I came straight out of school and became a prison custody officer.”

This weekend she will travel down to The Park Hall Hotel near Preston for the 2013 UK finals of Mrs, Miss and Miss Teen Galaxy.

Last year’s success did not automatically guarantee her a place in the finals.

But she wowed the organisers with a telephone interview and with the quality of the pictures she submitted.

“I feel really lucky to get through for a second year,” she said.

Claire also revealed that she has spent £875 on a dress from American pageant designer Mac Duggal. She is hoping the dress will help her impress the judging panel in the evening wear category.

“I’m awful for dresses.

“Every time I complete I say I will wear the same one but I always end up another one,” she added.

Categories in the contest include swim wear and evening wear rounds.

But the contestants will be marked on brains as well as beauty, and will receive extra points for personality.

Claire will also be competing in Miss Intercontinental later this year and was in the top eight last time around.

She also came fourth in Miss Cumbria 2010.

She will be joined on her trip by friend Natalie Williamson, 26 who will be offering support and encouragement.

First published at 11:54, Friday, 01 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk