A PLYMOUTH beauty queen from Tavistock is preparing for the final of a national competition.

Heather-Louise Hughes recently won the Plymouth Miss Galaxy crown and will be heading to Lancashire on February 7, to compete for the England Miss Galaxy title.

Heather-Louise said she would love to go on to represent Plymouth and England in the Miss Galaxy Universe final held in Florida.

She added: ‘I have a friend who had competed in the past and she said that everyone was amazingly friendly. She said she had an amazing time and asked me if I wanted to have a go with her so I jumped at the chance!

‘I was a bit shocked to get into the final and be named Miss Galaxy Plymouth. I think there were about five girls in the area that the judges chose between.

‘I was the only person to get to the Miss Devon Galaxy area there is also a Mrs Devon Galaxy and a Miss Teen Devon Galaxy. I am very excited to travel to Lancashire as I have never been to that side of the country before so I am quite excited!

‘On the day we have to be there for 9am and have rehearsals all morning, we stop for lunch and then prepare for the show in the evening. I think in total we will have around one or two hours to get prepared which is not a lot of time when there are loads of girls backstage!

‘The event starts at around 7pm, everyone will be in the opening and then we move onto the cocktail fashion round, swimwear round and evening wear round.

‘There will also be an interview during the day – each contestant will be on their own with the judges and they ask anything from why do you want to become Miss England Galaxy to your opinion on current politics! They try to have an interview so that the judges can get a feel for each individual’s personality as well as their looks.

‘I think we have to answer one question on stage too – I am more nervous about the onstage question because you will be thinking on your feet in front of everybody. The Plymouth heat was just an application form and the judges picked the winner that way so this will be my first proper event.’

Heather-Louise added: ‘Whoever wins will go to Florida to take part in the Miss Galaxy Universe. I would be amazed if I won! It is the chance of a lifetime and I would love to do Plymouth proud and represent England. I would be really shocked, nervous and excited all at the same time!

‘My boyfriend has been really supportive and my friends will be travelling up to Lancashire with me which is really good because I think I would be even more nervous if I didn’t know anyone in the audience – at least I will be able to look out to some familiar faces.’