Setting sights on Miss Newark title

A contestant in a competition to find Miss Newark 2018 is urging other girls from the town and surrounding villages to enter.

Suzie Gray, 17, of Claypole, reached the final of last year’s competition and said she enjoyed the experience so much she was keen to take part again.

“I was really pleased to be in the top ten,” she said.

“It was an amazing experience. I met so many people and everybody was really friendly and happy to help if you needed it.”

Suzie was encouraged to enter by someone connected with the competition who saw her while she was working at the Roman Way in Newark.

“I thought ‘why not’ and I am really glad I did,” she said.

“It boosted my confidence and now I know what to expect I am really looking forward to this year’s competition.”

Suzie is studying sports coaching at Lincoln College and plans to go on to Lincoln University to do a sports community and development degree.

She also works at the Queen’s Head bar and restaurant and, in her spare time, coaches an under-14s’ hockey team in Newark and plays for Newark Hockey Ladies’ 4ths.

She said the competition was not all about how the contestants looked, but related more to their personality.

“Some girls may be put off because they think it is going to involve spending a lot of money,” she said.

“But I didn’t spend a lot last year and this time I am going to use a dress I got for a prom.”

Suzie said she knew a lot of girls in Newark who would be great in the contest.

'Be yourself'

She said she was sure they would enjoy the experience and gain a lot from it.

“It would be great if the title of Miss Newark went to someone who lived in the town or nearby. I would encourage anyone to have a go,” she said.

Last year’s title was won by Katie Green, 17, a business administration apprentice, who said it was an unforgettable feeling to receive the crown.

“My advice to future contestants is to be yourself. The judges will notice you more if you are having fun and enjoying it,” she said.

A spokesman for the competition said the judges looked for someone who would be a good social ambassador.

“They are looking for a role model for other young girls in Newark and someone who has got a charitable side,” she said.

“We would love to hear from every type of young woman — you don’t have to be 6ft tall.”

The competition will be held at Kelham Hall and Country Park on February 17. The Miss Lincoln and Miss Grantham titles will also be awarded during the evening.

All three winners will go forward to the semi-finals of Miss England.

The organisers are looking for applicants aged 16 to 26. Anyone interested should email a photograph, along with their name, age and any interesting facts, to thepageantteam@gmail.com by February 1.