Laura’s all set for ‘Miss Earth’ final

Aug 28 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

BOTHWELL is not the only Lanarkshire locale celebrating its beauties.

A Motherwell woman has also made the final of a national modelling contest.

Laura Nelson (26), of Kildonan Place, is now hoping to be the Scottish representative at the Miss Earth competition.

The ex-Dalziel High pupil commented: “I was a relatively late entry into this year’s Miss Earth Scotland contest, but after sending in a couple photos I was accepted and invited to be a contestant in the Miss Earth Glasgow semi-finals, which took place at Glasgow's Club 29 on May 1.

“I was worried I may be a little unprepared but I had an amazing night and was placed second runner-up, securing a place in the final of Miss Earth Scotland.

“On the night, I was announced as the winner of the Best Smile Award by one of the sponsors, Dentawhite. I received a free laser teeth whitening session.”

This will not be the first time Laura has been successful in a modelling competition.

In 2006, she entered a cover girl contest in the Take 5 magazine - a supplement in the Daily Star Sunday.

She won a readers poll and subsequently appeared in the Christmas Eve edition of the paper, modelling some festive outfits.

One of the ambitions of the Miss Earth competition is to raise awareness on global political issues.

Laura added: “There are over 90 countries involved in the Miss Earth pageant, and the main objective is to promote environmental awareness.

“Being a great lover of wildlife and animals, I have naturally taken notice of the effects human activities have on the earth and the problems arising from this.

“With the environment and education being matters devolved to the Scottish Parliament, I plan to find out what the Parliament has in place currently and for the future to combat such issues.”

When Laura left school, she worked in customer service for a number of local firms,including the Currys store in Hamilton and Argos in Motherwell.

However, she decided to make a career change and earlier this year she completed her first year of the Accounting course at the University of the West of Scotland in Hamilton.

“I really enjoy modelling,” she added, “but I want to study and become an accountant and keep the modelling as something I enjoy on the side.”

Laura’s sister Lynsey (30) and mum Marion will travel to England to support her in the Miss Earth Scotland final, which takes place this Saturday in the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa.

Laura will be sponsored by the Hair Company.