THERE are certain stereotypes associated with beauty pageants, but one woman from Farnworth is turning them on their head after being crowned Miss Bolton Galaxy this summer.

Now Paige Horrocks has set her sights on becoming Miss Galaxy UK, a title she hopes to achieve by promoting body positivity on social media, opening up mental health discussions and supporting charities.

The 25-year-old works as a property support assistant at Bolton Properties - who are also sponsoring her campaign.

Paige said: “I’m extremely excited for the UK finals which will be held in November, and if you win that title then you go to the USA to compete in the international competition - that would be very cool.

“I’m not a conventional beauty pageant entry, you know where they are stunning, have curves in all the right places and talk about world peace.

“I’m the complete opposite to that, I’m a size 18, I suffer from mental health problems and I don’t always get loads of likes on social media.

“For me it shouldn’t matter what you look like, I want to show people that if you put your mind to something you can achieve it, I think we need to normalise this.

“My main aim throughout the competition is to just be myself.

“At the moment I’m planning several small charity events. My goal is to do little things but more often so it makes a difference.

“I’m organising a charity night in, a bake sale, a raffle and collections across Bolton in aid of the Christie charity, Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention and the mental health charity Mind.”

Paige was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, psychosis and anxiety when she was a teenager but she hasn’t let it stop her from becoming a role model.

She added: “Since I was 13 I have suffered from borderline personality disorder, psychosis and anxiety. When I was younger I was probably called all the names under the sun. I want to break that stigma.

“People don’t speak about mental health as often as they should, I want people to know that it’s ok to not be ok.

“On social media there’s this perception that you have to look a certain way, but I want to show people that it doesn’t matter what you look like, everyone is beautiful.

“I want to break down those barriers on social media.”

“I’ve actually had a few people come up to me and say how I’ve inspired them and that confidence is key, it’s really nice and heartwarming when that happens.

You can support Paige’s campaign on Instagram, @YourStoryIsSomeoneElsesHope.