A FORMER Melksham Carnival Queen has been selected as a finalist for the Miss Bristol contest, crediting the competition with helping her live with anxiety.
Inspired by her friend’s experience in the pageant last year, Lauren Clarke, who was Melksham’s Carnival Queen in 2014, decided to follow in her footsteps and try her luck this year. “At the moment I’m at the voting stages towards being Miss Bristol,’ said Lauren. “This means encouraging as many people as I can to vote for me. The top five girls with the most votes will go into the next round which is the interview stages.”
About how the contest has helped with her anxiety, Lauren said, “I’ve been suffering with anxiety for a few years. I find it hard to find things to concentrate on without feeling negative.
“I was worried that entering the competition would only make it worse, however I couldn’t be more wrong. Everyone has been so supportive so far. I’ve had lots of people coming up to me, giving me lots of encouragement. It’s really given me something to occupy myself with.”
If Lauren wins the title of Miss Bristol, her next challenge will be the Miss England contest. To vote for Lauren in the Miss Bristol contest, text MISS BRISTOL08 to 63333. Voting ends on Tuesday 1st May.
