A FORMER pageant queen is hoping to reach the final of a nationwide beauty competition following years of traumatic experiences and mental health issues.

Annie Barter, 20, of Trinity Street, Halstead, has been announced as a finalist for Miss Essex and will now compete for the county’s crown at the regional final in August.

The winner of the preliminary round will go on to challenge for the title of Miss Great Britain at a ceremony later this year.

Annie said: “It would mean a lot to win because when you put so much effort and energy into something you are passionate about, it feels amazing to be celebrated for it and going to Miss Great Britain would be unbelievable.

“But I never really entered pageants to win.

“I wanted to achieve an amount of confidence within myself by doing pageants, and I think I have found that.”

Annie first entered the world of beauty pageants three years ago after seeing an advertisement online and being attracted by the glamour and chance to form friendships.

But after taking part in a string of successful competitions, she soon decided to hang up her tiara in favour of pursuing an education.

Shortly after beginning courses in dance, film studies, English and health and social care, Annie became pregnant with her now nine-month-old daughter Anela and put her studies on hold. Anela’s birth helped revive Annie’s passion for pageants.

She says competing in Miss Essex is also a chance for her to regain her confidence and sense of identity after she was sexually abused. She has bravely waived her right to anonymity to talk about how the abuse affected her.

Annie said: “It had an impact on how I viewed myself against others, as I felt I wasn’t a person.

“I felt invalid and unworthy of confidence and happiness.

“So there is a part of this that is about reclaiming back that confident part of me and proving to myself and the people who have hurt me that actually I’m a strong woman and mother who can achieve her goals, no matter what happens.”

The Miss Essex GB qualifying round takes place on August 11 at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion.

The event will raise money for the White Ribbon charity, which aims to end male violence against women.