Diamond opportunity for Rotherham's Laura

Laura (28), from Laughton en le Morthern, who recently just failed to get into the last three of the Miss Tourism Sri Lanka contest, now wants the Miss Diamond UK title.

She is working towards the final on June 11 and hopes her experience in beauty pageants will serve her well.

Laura said: “I keep saying this will be my last one but then I have never been one to turn down an exciting opportunity.

“Each time I take part I feel I grow and develop as an individual, my confidence grows, and I make friends from all over the country and even the world. 

“The Miss Diamond UK contest is new for this year but is being managed by mother and daughter duo Tina and Danni De-Bear. They have lots of experience watching and competing in pageants and I’m sure they will put on a fantastic final. 

“What stood out to me about this pageant is the tagline ‘Celebrating the Beauty and Diversity of Every Woman’. I know all women, including myself, have or have had a hard time fully embracing and loving the way they look so to be involved in something that promotes positive body image in all ages, shapes and sizes is such a lovely thing to be a part of.”

The final will be at the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth on June 11. 

Laura said: “It is a long way from South Yorkshire but I'm hoping my sponsors Nails by Males and my family will come to support me. It really is great to have the people you love there to cheer you on.

“If I am selected as the winner I get to choose between representing the UK in Vegas at an international pageant or winning a holiday for two.” 

The charities supported by Miss Diamond UK are Mind and Julia’s House but the finalist who raises the largest amount can donate ten per cent of the total raised by all finalists to a charity of their choice. 

Laura said that she would choose South Yorkshire charity SAFE@LAST, for which she regularly raises money and donates clothing.