Click to play videoVichny Volochek : It's a bleak life behind bars in a Russian prison, convicted murderers, thieves and drug dealers are amongst those serving sentences here, it's not a glamorous place.
But inmates of women's correctional colony number five are undeterred as every year the prison, in western Russia, stages a contest to find the most beautiful Russian woman, behind bars.
The competition is tough and all the inmates perform there very best to win this coveted crown. They take off their usual uniform and break away from their rigorous prison routine.
Participant Tatiana says, “I'm really nervous, as this is my first pageant and I wouldn't have this opportunity on the outside."
Inmates are judged on skills and talent like hairdressing, some sing their own songs or perform a self choreographed — all in a bid to win the coveted crown.
Parole is not a prize, instead it's warm blankets, chocolates and tea. But the prison chief says the beauty pageant is an important step towards rehabilitation and perhaps feels they could lead better, more glamorous lives, once they've served their time.
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