A woman from Blackburn has been named Miss Lancashire 2023.
Lucy Townsend won the competition, which took place at the Stanley House Hotel in Mellor, and will go on to represent the county at Miss Great Britain (Miss GB) in October.
As well as a £250 cash prize, Lucy also won small gifts such as free pilates sessions, beauty treatments.
The former Darwen Vale High School pupil said winning was a “dream come true”.
She said: “It doesn’t feel real and it is like a dream come true. I feel so grateful for everyone’s love and support.
“When they announced my name I couldn’t believe it and I was in shock.
“I won a few different smaller awards which I also couldn’t believe. I won best in interview, best ballgown and best glitz and glamour.
“My family are really proud of me. My nana was in floods of tears when I won.”
Lucy said she is proud to put Blackburn on the map.
She said: “I am so proud to represent Blackburn with Darwen. I went to university in London and I was the only person with this accent.
“I have always been really proud to be from Blackburn and have not tried to change my voice or way I act.”
The 22-year-old launched her own children’s party entertainment business at the start of July, called Rothwell Arts Parties.
She will use her business to raise money for Miss GB's nominated charities, which are Cancer Research UK and Alex's Wish.
Lucy, who also teaches dance at Rothwell Arts Dance Academy in Darwen, said the aim of her party business is to make memories for children in her home town.
She said: “I have organised children’s events for other companies for more than five years now.
“I wanted to start my own business. We have had a few booking already, which is so exciting.
“I am extremely passionate about theatre and the arts and the impact that this can have on the lives of young people - it's an escape, a method of expression and has the power to create lasting memories.
“As Miss Lancashire I am keen to spread this love across our county and to the children who need magical moments the most.
“I did my research and discovered that Blackburn with Darwen is one of the most deprived areas in the country.
“Through my business and work as a dance teacher, my mission is to create magical moments for children that might not get to experience them regularly.”
Lucy said she is looking forward to taking part in Miss GB and is already busy preparing.
She said: “I am excited, and a little bit nervous, to represent Lancashire in the Miss GB competition this October.
“I am busy preparing for it already.”
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