Glamour Gran Ann, 71, says Miss Great Britain is 'only the beginning' after she misses out on the crown

Ann Marie Harper, from Ayrshire, is the oldest contender in the pageant's 81-year history to have qualified for the national final via a regional heat. At the Ms Great Britain Classic final in Leicester, she competed against rivals as many as 26 years younger than her. She finished outside the top five but took the 'impact over image' award. Ally Sussex, from Surrey, won the crown on her fourth attempt.

Harper, who has learning difficulties, was told growing up that she would 'amount to nothing'.

She is backing Clasp, an Ayrshire charity tackling loneliness among older people.

'It's not about the winning, it's about the taking part,' she said of the victor.