Hotel beauty pageant attracts a good crowd

MISS GUERNSEY organiser Elvio Pires is already offering his services for next year's event after the success of last night's competition. 'It went really well. The place was absolutely crammed and I feel sorry for the people who didn't have a seat but it felt great to see so many islanders coming out and supporting this.

'If the locals let me do it again next year then I definitely will. So many people worked so very hard to make it happen, from my staff, to the sponsors and the media. It's great to see it all come together. The girls were the most important factor though. They were really nervous to start with but because of them we put on a great show.'

South-east district deputy Francis Quin, a Miss Guernsey 2006 judge, also praised the work of Mr Pires in getting the event back on the island's calendar.

'It was a great idea to bring it back, bigger and better. He has shown great initiative.

'With the competition no longer being held at the South Show, it was so nice to see someone do something that ensured it stayed in the parish.'

Casey York, Miss Guernsey 2004, won the crown at the Carlton Hotel two years ago, the last time the event was held.

She admitted it was a shame the competition was no longer at the South Show, but was confident it would continue to work as a formal event in the future.

'Getting the car as part of the prize was a great addition. It's important everyone tries their best to keep it going,' said Miss York.

'It's amazing how interested people from outside Guernsey are when they found out you're Miss Guernsey. They want to find out more about the island as well as the Miss Guernsey competition. They are fascinated by it.'

South Show member Christine Guerin organised the show won by Miss York in 2004. She was also in full support of Mr Pires continuing with the running of the beauty pageant.

'As a member of the South Show, I think it has been absolutely brilliant tonight,' she said.

'The hotel and its staff have put so much into it to make it work. Some people may disagree about certain elements of it, but it's all good fun. The girls wouldn't have entered otherwise. Long may it continue.'

Mr Pires confirmed he plans to start looking into the possibility of holding a Miss Holiday Queen before the end of the summer as well as a Mr Guernsey, if he receives the backing and the public's support.

Photos of the competitors - many not published - can be viewed and ordered here