Mansfield beauty queen finally gets her crown after customs red tape hold-up

Madara Riley with her crown. Photo: Emma Walker, Superstar Photography

Madara Riley won the Mrs Top of the World plus-size 2020 and Mrs Top of the World Media in the annual Ms/Mrs Top of the World beauty pageant in February.

But the mum-of-two, originally from Latvia, had to wait for her crown to work its way through border and customs from Spain via Latvia to England.

The crown, which is made of Swaroski crystals, eventually arrived in Mansfield on Monday (April 26).

And Madara, 35, wasted no time in showing off her glitzy honour by taking part in a photo-shoot in Carr Bank Park with photographer Emma Walker, of Stockwell Gate-based Superstar Photography.

She also plans to have more shoots at Rufford Abbey, Newstead Abbey and other beauty spots in the area.

Madara said: "It was fantastic to finally get my crown, to finally hold it in my hands. It’s the final confirmation that I won.

“I now have until December left of my reign to broadcast as much as I can about what the United Kingdom is all about.

"I want to make contact with people, businesses, charities organisations or individuals who might want to collaborate with me and that I can help shine a light on and help Mansfield go global."

Madara wants to use her time as a beauty queen raising awareness of several causes, including autism and women’s issues.

And when she is not glammed up, the busy mum likes nothing more than a spot of charity shopping.

“Forget London and high fashion and luxury, local is the best,” she said.

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"You can often find me in charity shops hunting for gems for my photo-shoots. I love a bargain, giving clothes a second run.

"Most of my outfits are from shops like the Air Ambulance (charity shop) in Mansfield Woodhouse, another favourite one is in Ladybrook Square.

"People ask on Instagram about my gowns, they are surprised when I say I got it for a tenner.

“You don’t need expensive gowns to be a beauty queen, you don’t need to be thin or wear make up to be beautiful.

"That’s all just fake. It’s who you really are as person that matters.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Ashley Booker, editor.