Bethany vies for national beauty title

CHADDERTON girl Bethany Allt (20) is Miss Galaxy England 2017 hopeful. Photo by Ant Bradshaw.

A YOUNG beauty from Chadderton will represent Greater Manchester on a national stage.

Bethany Allt (20) has been selected as a Miss Galaxy England 2017 finalist ahead of hundreds of applicants.

The former Oldham Sixth Form College student will compete against some 40 other contestants for the title and a prize trip to the USA.

Miss Allt, of Lichfield Drive, said: "I'm so excited - I've just bought all of my dresses and had photos taken. I'm more excited than I've ever been before.

"I've recently spoken out for the first time about my past and schooling because I went through bullying. I do not want people to think that I have had it easy, because it was difficult. But the pageants have given me confidence and helped me to meet people who are like me."

The group of 19- to 29-year-olds will compete for the Miss Galaxy England title at the Park Hall Hotel, near Preston, in March.

The contest will include an opening round and fashion-wear and evening-wear rounds, with participants donning new dresses at each stage.

At Miss Manchester 2015, the Chadderton lass was crowned Miss Fashionista for her red evening gown and an eco outfit featuring recycled clothing.

Miss Allt, who has also been Miss Galaxy Oldham, said: "This is my fourth pageant and I've got lots of experience behind me. It has been so much fun dressing up and being a role model.

"So now I'm hoping to go all the way."

Winners of Miss Galaxy England, Scotland and Wales will go on to compete in the Miss Galaxy International final in the US and receive a trip to Plas Colwyn Holiday home and dresses from The Dress Studio among other prizes.

Miss Allt, a former textiles and performance studies student, added: "My family and boyfriend have been a massive support and especially my nanna, who has provided me with all my dresses."

In addition to her full-time employment at Nando's, Miss Allt makes public appearances and hosts charity events with the help of her Milnrow-based sponsor, hair and beauty salon The Vanilla Rooms.

Her next charity event is a children's pageant in Moston in November, with proceeds going to The Christie Charity.