Story By:  Sofija Dizdarevik, Sub-Editor:  Michael Leidig, Agency:  Newsflash

This 13-year-old girl has scooped the ‘Most Redheaded Icelander’ award at a festival in a local town that honours its Irish roots.

The competition was held during the Irish Days festival in the Icelandic town of Akranes, around 20 kilometres north of the capital Reykjavik.

A spokesperson for the local council Akraneskaupstadur told Newsflash in an interview: “Vigdis Birna won the competition this year. She is 13 years old and lives in Akranes in west Iceland.

“The competition was hosted for the 22nd time this year! The winner got a voucher for the airline Icelandair.

“The redhead competition is hosted during the Irish Days festival which we celebrate every year in our hometown Akranes.

“The people of Akranes are of Irish descent and there are many similarities. They have little to worry about, are cheerful and fun to visit, and great fighters, not least on the football field!

“The Irish settled in Akranes in the first years of the Icelandic settlement, but the name Akranes came later and is derived from grain cultivation and agriculture, which was considered suitable on the fertile land in the area.”

The spokesperson told Newsflash: “At the beginning of July every year, the people of Akranes celebrate the so-called Irish Days festival to commemorate their Irish heritage.

“These days, emigrants from Akranes are called home, and families are especially welcome to visit Akranes during Irish Days.

“People come from all walks of life to soak up the Irish-Icelandic cultural mix, see others or meet friends and relatives.

“Flags and flags, banners and ornaments reminiscent of Ireland are everywhere. This is a true family celebration with a variety of entertainment for everyone, including sports, outdoor markets, beach activities, trout fishing, a sandcastle competition, and last but not least the competition for the most redheaded Icelander.

“There are barbecue parties all over town, but the main festival area is around Jadarsbakkar and Langasandur. Icelanders near and far and foreign guests are especially welcome here during Irish Days.

The winner of the ‘Most Redheaded Icelander’ competition this year was Vigdis Birna, who told local media that she is very proud of her ginger locks.

Helga Dis came second and Rurik Logi finished third.