A LOT of women enter beauty pageants for the glamour, the adulation and the chance of being crowned with a title.

But for Staceyanne Wright it goes much deeper.

Winning for her is all about having the confidence to take part in the first place.

“I’ve suffered anxiety a lot in my life and it meant I missed out on a lot of opportunities when I was growing up,” she said.

"I lacked the confidence to do the things I wanted to do.

“I’ve never entered a beauty pageant before but I was browsing the internet and so when I saw the advert I decided to set myself the challenge.”

Reasoning that if she can stand on a stage in front of an audience wearing nothing but a swimsuit, then she can conquer her anxiety, was the motivating factor for Staceyanne, 33.

And this Friday she will be doing just that at the Park Hall Hotel in Chorley for the final of Ms Galaxy UK.

Along with the swimsuit round, Staceyanne will also be judged wearing evening dress and in a “fashion” category.

“The prize includes a trip to Florida but I don’t care if I don’t win. For me it’s all about conquering my nerves.”

Staceyanne, who works as a mental health nurse, grew up in Castle Street, Bolton, but now lives in Worsley.

As part of the competition she had to raise money for The Christie, which is the Ms Galaxy UK’s chosen charity.

“I had a cake sale at work and raised £200. I’m glad it’s going to The Christie because they do some amazing work and cancer is something that touches a lot of people’s lives.”