A trainee teacher is bidding to break down barriers – as she competes to become the first Asian winner of the Miss Lancashire competition. By Alima Nadeem.

Aysha Khan has been selected as a finalist for the pageant in January. 

The 20-year-old says she is one of only two Asian woman in the group of 36 finalists this year.

The student, who was chosen from more than 400 applicants, said: “I saw an advertisement for it and I’m a person who likes to experience as much as I can.

“I thought it would be a place for me to step out of my comfort zone and I’ve never done anything like this before.

“As an Asian woman I know the pressures and expectations the community has and my family have worked hard to overcome those, as we believe in the freedom to live without those shackles.”

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Miss Khan, who has also previously worked as a TV presenter for a shopping channel, is now studying to become a primary school teacher at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She applied to Miss Lancashire online and then was chosen as a finalist after an empowerment day.

She added: “I’m hoping it will inspire other Asian girls to put themselves out there and go for every opportunity they see.

“I feel Asians have the perspective that taking part in a pageant isn’t modest or admirable, but it actually is.

“Looks aren’t judged at all and your role consists of being an important figure in the community and making a difference.”

Miss Khan has worked in youth groups that support community cohesion from a young age.

She also worked back stage at the Asian Media Awards.

The final event will take place on January 20 in Preston and finalists are fundraising for the children’s charity Variety.