The popular kids at school called me a swot: Now I’m in Miss England
Laura is smarter, prettier and much more kind than you
Will HeilpernLabelled a swot at school, Laura Collins never thought she was pretty.
But after a chance spotting in a Bolton shopping centre, she is now on the road to being crowned Miss England.
If that’s not intimidating enough, Laura Collins works full time as a tax associate, whilst also studying for her LPC and LLM at the University of Law in Manchester.
The Durham law grad told The Tab: “I was called a swot at school. I wasn’t one of the pretty girls or part of the popular group. I was never confident about the way I looked or about interacting with new people. So, I never got invited to parties at the weekend.
“Interacting with strangers has always been a big obstacle for me. However, Miss England has given me so much more confidence.
“I honestly didn’t even take any selfies when I was younger, because I just wasn’t at all confident.”
Laura was never invited to parties at school. Credit: Adrian Chell
The only picture of Laura at school
Laura explained to The Tab her emotions on stage: “Its weird to explain what it feels like going on a catwalk. Being someone who didn’t ever really think of myself as pretty, its almost like an culmination of everything I feel that is beautiful on the inside.
“For me beauty isn’t being a size six. When I’m on stage I have the opportunity to express my inner beauty on the outside. It doesn’t faze me at all.”
Laura became Miss Bolton and Bury after being spotted in a local shopping centre. Credit: Ania Pankiewicz
Not content with holding down a full-time job and completing a demanding degree, Laura also does charity work.
As well as bungee jumps and sky dives, this week Laura is living below the poverty line on just one pound a day. Laura told The Tab: “Yesterday I had two pieces of toast, noodles for lunch and then rice for tea.
“I realise that long term this diet leaves me at risk of scurvy, so I am planning on eating at least something healthy within the next week.”
The Durham graduate’s ultimate aim is to be a lawyer
Laura also revealed her admiration for last year’s Miss England winner and Tab favourite, Carina Tyrell: “She was exceptional and she’s been a real inspiration to me, especially by coming fourth in Miss World.”
Last year’s Miss England was unlucky to lose out on the Miss World title
With her record, Laura Collins looks to have a good chance to repeat Carina’s success.
To vote for Laura text ‘Miss England30’ to 63333. Texts cost 50p plus the standard network rate.