Organisers of a proposed Miss Isle of Man contest insist their critics have got their facts wrong.

Douglas councillor Karen Angela said the event, which is due to be staged at the Villa Marina on August 5, was ’inappropriate in this day and age’.

Councillor Karen Angela told a local radio station: ’You have women all over the world fighting for equal rights and they want to drag us backwards. To have some young girl standing on stage not wearing a lot in front of strangers it just seems unacceptable in this day and age.’

But organisers insisted this is no beauty pageant - but about selecting a young community champion to work with local businesses to raise money for island charities.

Contestants will be judged on how they present themselves, communication skills, social media ability to raise profile and ability to raise funds for charity.

In a statement, the organisers said: ’Our ambition is to create a unique opportunity for young women on our island to work with local businesses and to raise funds for 12 local charities.

’First and foremost, our finalists will be expected to demonstrate community spirit, whilst at the same time, develop their business acumen or entrepreneurial flair and in doing so, enhance their skills.

’We want our contestants to come away with a better understanding of the benefits of positive, self- promotion.

’This isn’t a beauty pageant at all!

’It is about creating a young community champion, building a broad range of skills and above all, raising as much money as possible for 12 charities close to our hearts.’

Interviewed later by the Examiner, Councillor Angela conceded she didn’t know what the show actually involved and her main issues was with its title.

She said: ’What were the organisers thinking?

’To have something with the title Miss Isle of Man is too deep rooted in the beauty world.’

A spokesman for the Department of Economic Development said it was a private event at the Villa Marina and the department was unable to comment.