KESH is well represented in Miss Northern Ireland this year as a second finalist from the village has been selected, with Chloe Simms (22) competing in the competition in autumn.

The fashion marketing student is currently based in Manchester on placement with the NBrown Group, an online fashion and grooming brand.

Chloe caught up with The Impartial Reporter about her plans for the competition, with the former pupil of Collegiate Grammar School describing her selection as “a roller-coaster of emotions”.

Chloe said: “There was plenty of celebrating done and everyone from home has been so supportive, and I’ve had so many well wishes – it really shows our community spirit!

"It is so exciting to be part of something that has a long-running history and has done so many amazing things for charity.

"It’s an honour to represent our county at the Miss Northern Ireland finals, and Kesh will be well represented as another local girl, Abbie Parkinson, is one of my fellow finalists.”

Chloe has been fundraising for Action Mental Health Northern Ireland (NI) – an organisation that is close to her heart.

She said: “It’s because of my personal experiences that I decided to fundraise for Action Mental Health NI, who do such important work around mental health and especially education, which I believe should be featured across all curriculums.

“I have struggled with depression and anxiety through late high school, and when I first started university, and it never crossed my mind to enter Miss NI.

"Then I started doing a lot of work on myself and my personal development, how I talk to myself and such, and then I came across the Miss NI page on Facebook, and thought life was too short to act small.”

Chloe has been a long-time admirer of the competition and said: “I always remembered seeing the front page of the papers as a little girl of the finalists being crowned, and I have loved the idea of the competition ever since, although I never really saw myself as worthy of entering.

“This is something that I want to showcase throughout the competition – that you can overcome any obstacle life throws at you, and it doesn’t matter where you come from or how you once felt, you can achieve what you desire if you set your mind to it.

“The competition is such a brilliant platform to shine a spotlight on important issues – it’s not all fake tan and lipstick.”

There is one former Fermanagh winner who Chloe singled out when asked about inspiring role models.

She said: “The previous winners have gone on to do some amazing work with charities and have set them up in good stead for their own careers – including Judith Grey, née Wilson, who ran the Judith Wilson School of Modelling – I always remember hoping secretly that I’d receive a photoshoot package for my birthday!

"I’d be delighted to bring the crown back to Fermanagh, and to do [the title] as much justice as Judith and the previous winners have.”