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Rachael ready to pass on beauty crown
THE CROWNING of a new Miss Scarborough is just two days away.
Current champion Rachael Cooper, now in the final days of her reign, is getting ready to play her part in choosing the girl to take up the mantle.
She will be one of the judges when this year's event takes place at the Futurist Theatre on Sunday night, bringing her whirlwind year to an end.
And she has urged people to support the girls by attending the final and cheering them on.
"I'm really looking forward to the final," she said. "I've been a contestant for the last two years so judging will be a bit different to what I'm used to, but I've already met all of the girls so I've got some idea about their personalities. I'll be looking for all sorts of things but confidence is important."
It was second time lucky for Rachael in 2009 - she came third the previous year but was persuaded to have another go by her family.
Having battled through the nerves twice, she says she will have the advantage of being able to empathise with the 25 girls that have won a place in the final.
"I've been there before so I know what they will all be going through," said Rachael, a broadcast journalism student at Leeds University.
"I'm going to go and have a word with the girls beforehand though and try and give them as much encouragement as I can."
While there will inevitably be feelings of sadness and disappointment among the girls who just fall short, Rachael is hoping that the next Miss Scarborough will enjoy the moment her name is announced as much as she did.
"I couldn't believe it - I was really happy and overwhelmed when I won," she recalled. "There was a bit of confusion and I thought I'd come second. I wasn't expecting it at all. It was great."
After that dramatic night last March, Rachael started out on her journey, gaining a host memories that will last her a lifetime.
"I've done so many things that I wouldn't have done if it hadn't been for Miss Scarborough," she said.
"The Miss England final was a highlight, but I think the best thing has been meeting so many nice people.
"It's a great competition. It's not just about winning - it is a challenge and it can be a great way to meet people and build confidence.
"I'm just excited about giving another girl the chance to have the same experience as me. I won't pretend I won't miss being Miss Scarborough a little bit, but I've got a lot of nice memories and an album full of newspaper cuttings."
Event organiser and head judge Melissa Chapman paid tribute to the outgoing beauty queen.
"Rachael has been brilliant, absolutely fantastic," she said. "I hope that the next Miss Scarborough will be just as good."
Melissa is now busy making the final preparations for the event, which for the first time will include a Mr Scarborough competition.
"I can't wait," she said of the finals night. "We've had an absolutely fantastic standard of entries this year so it will be a tough competition. It should be a brilliant night.
"I'll be looking for a nice smile, but above all it's about character and all-round personality."
Melissa is hoping that this year's Miss Scarborough, who will receive an automatic place in July's Miss England final, could go on to make a splash on the national stage.
"To have Miss Scarborough in the Miss England final really puts the town on the map," she added.
"You never know - the girl that wins on Sunday could be the next Miss England. Georgia Horsley from Norton won it a few years ago and there's absolutely no reason a Scarborough girl can't do the same.
"That would be brilliant publicity for everyone here."
Sunday's final, which is expected to last three hours, will begin at 7pm.
The event will start with an eco wear round, followed by an evening wear round.
The finalists will then be whittled down to a last 12, before a final six are selected.
Dancers from the Hatton School of Performing Arts will perform at intervals throughout the ceremony.
Tickets are on sale at 20 for one or a pair for 30. They can be bought at the Futurist box office or by calling 01723 365789.
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Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
