Student Ann qualifies for the final of prestigious beauty contest

Aug 28 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

A BOTHWELL woman has made the final of a prestigious beauty pageant.

Ann Russell, of Old Mill Road, is now hoping to become Miss Intercontinental Great Britain.

Ann said: “I have only been modelling for about a year and I have never entered anything like this before.

“But I decided to enter this one as my friends and family have always encouraged me into modelling.

“I have always loved fashion and dressing up so I thought, why not?”

“The organisers of Miss Intercontinental then contacted me to say I was in the final so I am obviously delighted.”

The 21-year-old has just graduated with a 2/1 honours degree in English Literature from Strathclyde University.

Later this year, she will start a Masters course in Journalism at the same university.

She is supported by mum Maureen, a social worker, and dad Dr Kenneth Russell, who jointly operates the Doctors Russell and Young practice in Viewpark Health Centre.

Her older brother Andrew (25) is a recruitment consultant.

The single student added: “I am now looking for support from some local businesses.

“It will cost me a lot of money to take part in the London final. The money will also go to the Children with Leukaemia charity.”

Ann will compete with 39 other finalists in three rounds; national dress, bikini and evening gown.

The ex-Hamilton College pupil continued: “The Miss Intercontinental is the second biggest beauty pageant behind Miss World.

“There have never been heats before in the UK so I am pleased to have made the final.”

Ann currently models for The Look Agency in Glasgow.

“I have had a lot of fun modelling so far,” she said.

“I worked on some promotional stuff for the Metquarter, which is a big shopping centre in Liverpool.

“It was quite strange seeing myself on the billboards and on the back of the buses!”

Ann will join the other UK finalists in London next month.

The winner of Miss Intercontinental UK will go on to represent the UK in the World Final, which will be held in the Seychelles.

The winning model will receive the Miss Intercontinental crown, valued at just under £200,000.

l If you would like to vote for Ann, text BEAUTY 0519 to 82085. For any more information on the competition, check out www.missintercontinental.co.uk