Sisters battle it out for Miss Britain title – aiming for final in pageant first

A pair of sisters battling for the Miss Great Britain crown believe there's more to it than looking 'pretty in a dress'.

Claire, 27, and Nicola Redgrave, 30, are planning to do something that has never been done before in the glam competition.

The Essex-based siblings are hoping to both get through the gruelling rounds of ball gowns and big smiles to reach the final of the pageant.

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While Nicola is representing her home county, Claire will be trying to win the Kent heat thanks to her work connection.

This means the sisters could face-off for the coveted title of Miss Great Britain – but they insist there'll be no 'bitterness'.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, the gorgeous siblings spilled all on what it's really like battling it out for the tiara.

"Although it’s a competition we find it empowering to watch each other compete rather than any have bitterness towards each other," they told us.

"It's great to have the support there but also healthy competition to push each other to do the best we can.

"We understand that it’s easy to think of the pageants broadcast on TV in the 70s and 80s but pageants have evolved since then, they have had to stay relevant and being pretty in a nice dress just doesn’t cut it anymore.

"Judges want women with substance, compassion and empathy.

"Miss Great Britain gives women of all body types, cultural backgrounds and ages from over 18 the chance to take part, including women with children and married or divorced women.

"It is a shame that this stigma still exists, but we do what we can to show others what pageants are really about.

"We think it’s so empowering that pageants today can give women so many opportunities that they may not have had access to before."

Although the sisters wow with their gorgeous looks, they hope to put their platform to good use and raise awareness around causes close to their hearts.

Claire, an administrator for CAMHS (Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Service), overcame an abusive relationship in the past.

She decided to push herself out of her comfort zone and enter the competition to show what she's made of.

Along with her newfound confidence, Claire hopes that she can spread awareness to those struggling with the complexities of these traumatic relationships.

Whereas Nicola, a human resources administrator, is hoping to use her platform to promote self-confidence after she was cruelly bullied in school.

The stunner even developed an eating disorder and shattered her self-esteem.

But as the sisters go head-to-head, their bond and confidence has never been better.

"It’s amazing for building confidence, although it can be a little nerve wracking at first, it’s a great feeling of empowerment and achievement," the beautiful sisters declared.

"Through our previous experiences we wanted to be able to make a difference and help to give a voice to people who have suffered or are suffering the same things that have affected us.

"We are incredibly motivated; we are working so hard behind the scenes and feel we both have the passion and drive it takes to win our regional heats and the Miss GB crown in October.

"We both feel we could be great role models and ambassadors for Miss Great Britain and would carry our titles with pride.

"This competition means a lot to us as it gives us a platform to show other young girls and women that you can achieve more than you have given yourself credit for, even after being knocked down in the past."

Nicola will be competing in the Miss Essex heat on the 17th June and Claire will be battling it out in the Miss Kent heat on the 24th June.

They are raising money for Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish – Cure Duchenn.

The final for Miss Great Britain will be held in October.

If you're worried about your health or the health of somebody else, you can contact SEED eating disorder support service on 01482 718130 or on their website, here.

And, if you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge's 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247 or, you can access their website, here.

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