AN ALLOA woman will be looking to earn a chance to represent the UK if she impresses at a national beauty pageant.

Nicola Allan has entered herself into the Ms category at Diamond UK, due to be held in Wigan in August.

If she wins, Nicola will go on to represent the UK at an international beauty pageant in Las Vegas.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Nicola praised the Diamond UK tournament for their celebration of women, contrary to the belief many have of beauty pageants.

She said: “I decided that the Diamonds system was the correct pageant system for me because they celebrate the beauty of every woman.

“They are committed to promoting positive body image therefore they have no height or weight limits and they also welcome married women and mothers.

“As they say, diamonds are created under pressure and look how beautiful they turn out. I’m a full-time single mum with a son, Leeon, aged 11.

“The last few years have been difficult for me as I went through a separation and had to start from scratch again.

“This system isn’t about winning a crown and sash, it’s about the sisterhood Diamonds creates. The fundraising we’re involved with helps change people’s lives.

“Diamonds pageants have raised thousands of pounds for charities over the past six years. Of course, I want to be involved in this amazing system.”

Nicola is no stranger to beauty pageants, having previously competed in and won the titles of Miss United Kingdom Rose 2021/22 and Miss America’s Top Beauty Queen 2022/2023.

She has identified two causes close to her heart that will be the platforms for her upcoming Diamonds campaign.

These include raising awareness of ectopic pregnancies and fundraising for an orphanage school in Uganda.

Nicola added: “In 2009, I was rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery, I had an ectopic pregnancy.

“My poor mum and dad were told it was a 50/50 chance of me pulling through. I’m so grateful to the surgeons who saved my life.

“I will never be able to repay them. If I can save just one person’s life by making them aware of the signs, then this campaign is worth it."

She continued: “I work closely with St Adrian Orphanage Junior School in Uganda. I work to create different charity events for the children.

“I’ve raised enough money to build the children a swing set in their playground. I’m on a mission to get them another one built and maybe visit the orphanage one day to see the work I’ve done with, of course, the help of everyone else.”

Nicola hopes to also use her experience to help fellow beauty pageant finalists or anyone hoping to get started in them.

She continued: “My advice to fellow pageant queens and finalists is to just be yourself and shine like a diamond.

“Enjoy every last minute of it because before you know it, it’s all over.”