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“I was completely taken by surprise I don't know how I kept on my feet.”
These were the comments this week from Nelson's new gala queen 16- year old hairdresser Anne Slater of 21 Camden St Nelson.
Anne came first out of nine finalists who paraded at the Imperial Ballroom on Friday night. Second came Jennifer Windeatt, age 17 of 84 Larch St, Nelson and third was 16 year old Kathleen Eccles of 150 Barkerhouse Rd Nelson.
Anne, who unsuccessfully entered the “Miss Nelson” contest late last year, was persuaded to enter the competition by her colleagues at Hair Fashions, Hibson Road, Nelson.
“When I entered, I never thought I stood a chance of winning”, Anne told us this week, “Even now I can hardly believe I have won.”
A keen pop music fan Anne has been a hairdresser for about a year. Her employer Mrs Sheila Hartley of Gisburn made the dress in which she won the contest on Friday.
With her engagements as Gala Queen, Anne will no doubt have less time for her favourite pastime - dancing. “I have no regrets though,” she adds, “ I am really looking forward to my year of office.”

Judges for the contest were Mr and Mrs Tom Redman of Brierfield and TV personality Janice Nicholls.
Our picture shows Anne in the centre with Jennifer on the left and Kathleen on the right.