Nicole Hanson, 22, was awarded the title through the Miss Great Britain competition in January and said she was “shocked” when she found out she had been chosen to represent Durham.
She said: “I was freaking out a bit if I am honest. All the girls are really put together and confident and I just felt like a normal girl from Darlington, so it was completely surreal.
“I did not really believe it until my sash arrived. It was a really exciting moment.”
Nicole Hanson (Image: Nicole Hanson)
Her journey into pageantry began through charity work with Abarth Club North East, which she has been part of for the last two years.
Through the club, members have raised money for events in support of JPC Community Hub CIC based in Middlesbrough, which helps children and adults with additional needs by offering inclusive activities and experiences, including the chance to ride in supercars.
Nicole Hanson (Image: Nicole Hanson)
Nicole has raised money with the Abarth Club North East (Image: Nicole Hanson)
The 22-year-old said: “Through the car club we raise money for them, which gives people with additional needs the chance to experience something different and just have fun.
“It really opens up opportunities for families and gives people something to look forward to outside their everyday routines. I went to visit the centre and the work they do there is absolutely incredible.”
Since being crowned Miss Durham, Nicole has continued that support by completing a 10k run at Croft Circuit, raising £440 for the hub.
Nicole Hanson (Image: Nicole Hanson)
She said: “I did the run without any proper training which was tough, but it was so worth it. When you visit the hub and see what they do, it makes you realise how important it is.
Nicole Hanson at the JPC Community Hub CIC (Image: Nicole Hanson)
Nicole Hanson and Paul Connaughton (Image: Nicole Hanson)
“They help people learn life skills, socialise and just feel included, which is something a lot of us take for granted.”
Nicole, who previously worked as an associate audiologist, also hopes to use her platform to raise awareness of health conditions including hypermobility.
She said: “I have struggled with my own health growing up, especially with my eyesight and joint issues, and it was not picked up early.
“I found it really difficult at school, as I used to struggle to see the board and also broke my arm in multiple places because of my hypermobility.
“If there was more awareness in schools, it could really help children who might otherwise be overlooked.”
Looking ahead, she will represent Durham at the Miss Great Britain final in Leicester this October, competing against around 40 contestants from across the UK.
Despite admitting to feeling “a bit nervous”, Nicole said she is excited to take part in the challenge.
Nicole Hanson (Image: Nicole Hanson)
She said: “I have always loved performing and being on stage, so getting involved with Miss Great Britain feels like I have found that part of myself again.
“No one in the North East has won Miss Great Britain before so I will be flying the flag for Darlington.
“If I can use this opportunity to make a difference and represent the North East in a positive way, that is the most important part for me.”
