Kirkby’s Alex set to compete for Miss England crown

Alex Ross has been selected out of over 1,000 applicants to be a finalist in the prestigious pageant as the current Miss Forest and Fens.

The title means she represents Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire in the Miss England National Final, due to be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 14th August.

But the 24 year-old New Street resident is also on a mission to alter ‘sterotypical views of beauty contests’.

“This was my first attempt at a pageant as up to about a year ago I was overweight with really low self-esteem,” said Alex. “But I started to get fit through sport and especially martial arts and decided to enter and won my first title.”

There will be around 50 finalists from all over the country battling for the Miss England crown but Alex says it is more than just being about beauty.

“Many people have a stereotypical view of what these events are all about but they are wrong,” added Alex. “It’s not just about how you look. I want to show that you can be yourself and win.

“It doesn’t matter about your background. It’s about getting involved in your community and inspiring other young girls that whatever you set out to achieve is possible.”

The winner of the Miss England title creates direct entry into the Miss World contest which takes place in Sanya, China, later this year.

As part of the Miss England contest, the girls have to create a dress out of recyclable materials on the theme of James Bond as well as organise charitable events within their community. All the proceeds will go to the Beauty with a Purpose Charity.

Alex has several fundraising events coming up including a Decades Disco (60s,70s,80s and 90s) at Bentinck Miners Welfare on 24th July at 7:30pm which includes a DJ and live music from Samson 65. A Family Fun Day follows at Kirkby Festival Hall on 1st August from 1–6pm.

“Being a ‘Miss’ is about bringing the community together,” added Alex. “Miss England is a fantastic organisation.

“It has given me confidence and I have been able to give others confidence.”