When we think of beauty pageants the familiar images come to mind - tall, toned models in big dresses, the swimsuit round, catwalk parades, but one Northern Ireland woman is hoping to represent all women when she competes in a US pageant this month.
Anouska Black from Dollingstown, Co Down is taking part in the Royal International Miss Pageant in Orlando, Florida from July 10-18 and believes how the pageant is set up with regards to criteria is what makes it so special.
The 32-year-old says she loves that it doesn't discriminate on age, size, height, marital status, or pretty much anything. As the first Ms. Northern Ireland, Anouska hopes to bring home the international crown and title to become the first international title holder in Ireland since 2003.
