A WOMAN who won a national beauty queen final has revealed how she has promoted her title under the lockdown restrictions.
Clare Hurst, who grew up in Bradford and lives in Heckmondwike, says she has tried to stay positive throughout the lockdown period after being crowned Miss United Kingdom Rose Woman in September last year.
In normal circumstances she would be travelling the country and meeting people face to face at events, but instead she has had to promote her title online.
It has been a whirlwind few months for Mrs Hurst after she has been furloughed from her job as a customer care assistant at McDonald’s, so has been able to devote even more time to her ambassadorial role.
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed, however, as she has been nominated for the positive role model prize at the National Diversity Awards.
She hopes to make the shortlisted for the awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in September this year.
Mrs Hurst, 33, says she has tried to use her time in lockdown productively and positively to promote her beauty queen title.
She said: “It’s been really odd.
“During lockdown I have obviously been unable to go out and promote my title.
“I have been doing online campaigns and spreading positivity.
“Putting a smile on people’s faces makes me happy. I have been making videos on social media and creating campaigns like one for Mind UK to help people struggling with their mental health.
“The lockdown has not stopped me doing too much with promoting the title.
“There is no point being down about it. I am still able to promote my title.
“Usually I would given up the title September but I have been told I will have it until June next year, due to social distancing.
“Since winning my title woman last year it has been an amazing journey for me.
“I have worked so hard and through this hard time i have spread so much positivity for my family and friends.
“I’m proud. That’s the sort of queen I am.”
After winning the crown, Mrs Hurst revealed she was bullied as a child.
She continues to say that she wishes to inspire people to speak out about bullying and to continue being themselves.
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