Hannah looks to conquer the Universe

Mar 26 2008 by Katie Norman, South Wales Echo

WELSH beauties are competing to become the UK’s first-ever Miss Universe entrant.

Hannah Pycroft, 18, from Barry, is among the hopefuls representing South Wales in the British final of the international beauty pageant at Cafe Paris, London, on May 4.

Hannah, a former pupil at St Richard Gwyn High School, in Barry, is one of five young women from South Wales who survived regional heats to win places in the national final.

She said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this so I don’t really know what to expect.”

The University of Glamorgan student has the full support of her mum Colleen, 43, a physiotherapy technician, and dad Michael, 47, who works for Leekes department stores.

Her photographer sister Sophie, 20, has helped Hannah prepare by snapping pictures of her.

The teenager has also been cheered on by her boyfriend Daniel Impey, 22, from Cardiff, even though he was initially unenthusiastic.

“At first he didn’t want everyone looking at me in my bikini but he’s fine about it now,” she said.

Competitors also include Miss Wales 2007 finalist Emma Franklin, from Pontypridd, and Miss Cardiff 2007 finalist Danielle Fahiya, of Riverside, Cardiff.

The region will also be represented by Clare Morgan, from Pentwyn, Cardiff, Laura Entwistle, of Cardiff city centre and potentially other applicants who are still being interviewed.

Contestants must raise money for the competition’s chosen charity, The Joshua Foundation, and will be interviewed by a judging panel.

They must also parade wearing a formal evening gown and swimsuit.

The winner will represent the UK at Miss Universe in Vietnam this summer.

Hannah hopes to organise a fundraising event and said: “I’m really looking forward to getting glammed up for it. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

katie.norman@mediawales.co.uk