Ann Marie Harper Enters Miss Great Britain Final at 71

Ann Marie Harper, a 71-year-old grandmother from Prestwick, Ayrshire, will compete in the Miss Great Britain Classic national final in Leicester on October 16, becoming the oldest contender in the competition’s 81-year history, according to BBC reports.

Harper qualified after winning Ms Ayrshire GB Classic in June and will compete against women aged 45 and over, including finalists up to 26 years younger than her. The final includes fashion, swimwear, evening wear and interview rounds.

Harper said her journey was shaped by years of low confidence before entering the competition.

"For so many years I did not see myself as someone who could do things like this," said Ann Marie Harper.

"I had very little confidence and I carried a lot of that with me through life," said Ann Marie Harper.

The Ayrshire contender told BBC and Glasgow Live that the competition represents a chance to challenge views about aging and visibility. She is also using the platform to support older people through the Community Led Action Support Project.

"I want other women to see that getting older doesn't mean disappearing," said Ann Marie Harper.

"You are still allowed to take up space, try something new, feel beautiful, feel ambitious and surprise yourself," said Ann Marie Harper.

Harper said she hopes to become the first Scot to win the Classic title if she takes the crown. She has also reached the top 16 for the talent award with an ice-skating submission.

"I think women are often made to feel that once they reach a certain age they should tone themselves down, cover up, or stop putting themselves forward," said Ann Marie Harper.

"I completely disagree. I'm 71, I'm proud of who I am, and I want women of every age to feel they are still allowed to be seen," said Ann Marie Harper.

Glasgow Live reported that Harper launched her own cosmetics brand at age 66 and uses the Glamour Gran Ann identity to encourage self-expression.

"What's to be will be, but I'm very excited," said Ann Marie Harper.

"Of course Glamour Gran Ann wants to win," said Ann Marie Harper.

"I want to bring the crown back to Ayrshire. Why would I not?" said Ann Marie Harper.

Harper said her work also focuses on reducing loneliness among older people and encouraging them to stay socially active.

"I just want to help people to realise that they're not alone - because as you get older, you can go in a corner, and we can't do that," said Ann Marie Harper.

She also spoke about overcoming criticism and mental health struggles while building her public identity.

"For people who can't really cope, it's amazing how there is help out there," said Ann Marie Harper.

"There is help, and we have to seek the help. And that's what Glamour Gran Ann shares every single day, that it's okay not to be okay," said Ann Marie Harper.