MISS Cheshire is 'on cloud nine' after winning the public vote in the search for Miss Great Britain.
Fashion student Tabitha Bennett was delighted to attract the highest number of supporters in an online poll.
The 19-year-old was named Miss Public Choice as additional awards were announced.
However, amid strong competition from 70 ladies from all over the UK, Ava Morgan, from Ayrshire, secured the overall top marks and was awarded the crown.
The live final of the country’s longest running beauty contest was held in Leicester on Friday, October 18.
Tabitha’s mum, Vicky, said: “Tabitha had a fabulous time and really enjoyed it.
“She was on cloud nine after winning the public vote.
“She did amazing and looked fantastic.”
Tabitha was crowned Miss Cheshire in August, the first time she has entered a beauty pageant.
Since then, she has been working as an ambassador and raising money for Cancer Research UK.
The Knutsford student is following in the footsteps of her mum who was runner-up in Miss Great Britain – 41 years ago.
Making her debut on the catwalk has inspired Tabitha to enter more competitions.
Vicky said: “Tabitha learnt a lot from it and is really excited.
“To win the public vote meant a lot to her.
“It has done her a world of good and she handled it well.
“She wasn’t disappointed. There were a lot of girls and there can only be one winner.
“She had a lovely response from so many people.
“She made a lot of friends and this has really given her a boost.
“We are all very proud of her.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here