SHE has travelled the world as a beauty queen, a television presenter and a model and her love affair with Granada television presenter Tony Wilson made front page headlines.

The international music convention she founded when she was just 23 has become one of the most important fixtures on the record industry calendar.

But East Lancashire lass Yvette Livesey still wants more.

Now aged 30, the former Miss England from Whalley is branching out again - she is appearing in a new British film, has just launched her own publishing company and is considering a pub and restaurant venture the Ribble Valley.

This month's In The City music convention in Manchester has been Yvette's brainchild from the start. Now in its seventh year, the five-day event attracts record industry bosses from around the globe.

In between organising the convention, Yvette has had to make time for rehearsals for a new film she is set to appear in. Titled The Vanboys, the film started shooting earlier this month.

Yvette says: "The busiest time of year for me is September because of In The City. When I got the rehearsal schedules for the film, it was typical - filming is starting this month too! "Being part of the modelling world was something I enjoyed but I was happy to leave it too. I always wanted to go into acting, but when I started my career there weren't the small British films coming through that there are now."

Yvette, who is still with the Factory Records boss and former journalist who now likes to be referred to as Anthony H Wilson, says: "In The City was my idea, my baby. It has grown into a bit of a monster.

"It has become a year round thing, we will start organising next year's one as soon as this year's finishes."

"Doing all these different things is what drives me. I have always wanted to be in business. I love work and I don't know where I would be without it.

"In the music industry most people don't get up till midday, which means your working life becomes your social life and I like that."

Yvette is remaining tip-lipped about her next project, a business venture she is considering in the Ribble Valley.

"It's a big secret. We are looking for some suitable land for a pub and restaurant project with a difference. I can't say any more at the moment because we are at a very early stage."

Yvette, who splits her life between living in Whalley and in Manchester, says Lancashire is where her heart is: "I went to London and then New York, but I had to come back. I love this part of the world, and Manchester is pretty close. I hate London with a passion."

She admits that turning 30 this year was a milestone she could have done without, but quipped: "I've come round to thinking that the older you get, the more character you build. When you get to 30 you have to!"

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.