Miss Derry Amy Doherty dreams of returning to Miss Great Britain after 'amazing' experience at finals

The mum-of-two boys represented Derry at the grand finals of the competition in Leicester at the weekend and told the Journal how she had an ‘amazing time’.

“It went really well – it was definitely an experience. Your eyes are opened to the amount of hard work that goes into it. It was constant, but it was amazing. I really want to go back again next year.”

The rules of the competition state that contestants can keep their title, if they wish, for a possible return – in fact, this year’s winner, Amy Meisak, won in what is her 12th year if competing.

Amy was delighted to see her namesake, Amy Meisak, win, as they have become ‘really good friends.’

"The first day of rehearsal, Amy came with a gift for me. She’s so lovely. I cannot say that I’m in any way disappointed that I didn’t win, as she just deserves it so much.”

Amy was bolstered by the support of her family during the finals, including her eldest son, Mason. She also has another little boy called Noah.

“Having my family’s support there was brilliant – they were the rowdies in the corner! My mum and dad, brothers and auntie flew over, as well as my eldest boy. He was so funny. He was up on the chair roaring. I think he only called me ‘Mammy’ once and then he was shouting my full title: ‘Go Miss Derry!”

Amy, who has used her platform to raise awareness of Autism, previously told the Journal how she was learning to catwalk and how this was a little more difficult for her as she has scoliosis (curvature of the spine.)

But she had no need to worry.

“The walking actually went really well and I didn’t fall. I was really pleased. I feel like I did a good job and I really enjoyed it.”

Amy added that she could ‘not speak highly enough’ of her fellow contestants.

"They are your cheerleaders, completely. When you come off the stage they meet you, with open arms, to give you a big cuddle. Everyone always thinks these competitions are all about catfights etc, but it’s the complete opposite. They are so genuine. We stay in touch all the time and the group chat never stops.”

Amy was over the moon to represent her beloved Derry and felt it was also important that she was also doing so as a mammy.

“It was a big thing for me, knowing I was representing the city for the first time and to do that is amazing, because I love Derry. I feel like, when I first applied and got it. I was a bit terrified and thinking a bit: ‘What have I got myself in for here?’ because I have never done it, but I loved it so much.

She continued: “I was also really aware of being a mammy, too. I wanted to know that even though we’re mums, we can get up there and shine as much as the next person.”