'I've been told what I do is degrading to women - but I've never felt more empowered'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A gran-of-five who has been taking part in beauty pageants for over 50 years has described how they make her feel “empowered”.

Jayne Alison entered her very first competition when she was just three-years-old and she hasn’t stopped since. The 54-year-old from Manchester has taken home many titles over the years, including Classic Regency International, Mrs Commonwealth International, runner up Mrs Universe and Classic Diamond UK. READ MORE: 'We bought our first houses at 20 - we won't stop until we have ten each' But she believes there’s much more to the competitions than winning – saying they’re all about empowering the women who take part. “I have a few wobbly bits, I’m not perfect,” Jayne told the Manchester Evening News. “Who is?” “But they just make you feel so empowered – especially going on stage in a swimsuit. “It’s not a case of, ‘Look at me,’ it’s a case of, ‘I’m here and I’m proud’.

If we can give that type of empowerment to other people, it doesn’t matter if you’re not perfect. “It doesn't matter what size or shape you are.

It’s an empowerment thing.” Jayne has four daughters who have all taken part in pageants over the years – even competing against one of them in Miss Great Britain.