Rachel Buckley from Walton was crowned Miss Liverpool ECHO in 1988, and her legs were insured for £10,000 as part of her prize. At the time, the 19-year-old was described as having "the most expensive legs on Merseyside."
Beauty contest details
The contest was a local beauty and personality competition sponsored and promoted by the ECHO. Young women from around Merseyside were invited to enter by sending a photograph of themselves in a swimsuit or summer dress, along with brief details, to the ECHO offices. Selected entrants then competed in heats before the final.
An article from April 1988 in the Liverpool ECHO featured Rachel, calling her a "lovely 19-year-old with the most expensive legs on Merseyside." The article quoted Rachel as saying, "It's one of the most prestigious. I've always hoped I might see myself in the ECHO one day." It also noted that her legs were insured for £10,000 as part of a previous beauty contest win.
Prize and career
Rachel's prize for winning Miss Liverpool ECHO included a week's holiday for two in Jersey, leather clothing worth £300, an ECHO Concorde flight, a cheque for £150, and a makeup case with a selection of makeup.
In addition to modelling, Rachel worked as a computer operator at the Littlewoods' Offices in Crosby in the evenings, leaving her days free for modelling.
Retro photoshoot
On May 26, 1988, Rachel took part in a retro 1960s photoshoot in Liverpool city centre. The photographs, unearthed from the ECHO's archive, show her posing on Mathew Street and Stanley Street, wearing dark 60s eye makeup, a Magical Mystery Tour T-shirt, John Lennon style sunglasses, and knee-high go-go boots.
