Grandmother inspires Wolverhampton beauty queen dream

Gabrielle Purchase, aged 23 of Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, is to take part in the finals of the competition on Sunday.

She hopes to wow the judges in a series of challenging rounds, including the eco-dress, evening gown and swimsuit rounds.

Miss Purchase entered the competition in memory of her grandmother, Barbara Fraser, who died on July 1 2015. Miss Purchase believes her nan would have been very proud of her.

"I used to look after my nan and she was really the reason why I entered the competition.

"I can see her at the dining table with the sewing box out helping me to make my eco dress. She always believed I could do anything I set my mind to so I'm doing this for her.

"I work in A&E and sometimes it's difficult to feel confident in how you look all the time. But everyone has been so supportive, it's amazing really - my friends and family have been really lovely about it.

Miss Purchase, who has been with her partner Matthew Mellia, aged 24, for nine years, said that he too has been particularly supportive.

"He wasn't quite sure at first but then when he saw what it would involve and knew why I was doing it he's been so helpful and really built my confidence."

So far, Miss Purchase has raised £200 for charity 'Beauty with a purpose' which is supported by the competition.

Another Miss Black Country hopeful is also aiming to shed some light on the work and commitment it takes to enter beauty pageants.

Faye Campbell, aged 17, from Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, entered the Miss Black Country competition last year where she became a finalist, achieving the prestigious third place. She has re-entered this year after winning the the title of Miss Sportswoman Black Country 2015. Miss Campbell now hopes she can make people realise amount of dedication needed to enter such competitions.

She said: "Pageants aren't what the general public think they are. I've taken a while myself to understand the world of pageants. So much work goes into a pageant! It's not always what you see on television, girls in this competition are not bitchy and stuck up. They are just average girls wanting to make a difference in there local area. In preparation for this I've had to do as much publicity as possible, charity work and even take part in a sports round which is usually held in a gym."

Now both girls will battle it out to see who is to be crowned Miss Black Country. "It's not about the winning really for me" Miss Purchase added, "It's about raising the money for charity and making my nan proud."