Miss Newark and District crowned

The winner of Miss Newark and District 2009 is Miss Megan Brown (17) of Smith Street, Balderton.

She was crowned the winner of the competition at Southwell Racecourse on Sunday.

There were 13 finalists in the competition. Because the standard was so high and scores very close between the entrants, the panel of judges put seven entrants through to the final round instead of six.

Advertiser readers voted by text messages and telephone calls before the event, the winner of which gained a place in the final seven.

Megan said she was shocked to be named Miss Newark and District and did not expect her name to be read out.

She said: "I feel absolutely ecstatic. I feel a bit of a celebrity with people taking lots of photos."

She will represent the district in the Miss England final at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, London, on 19 and 20 July.

Miss Sophie Digva (19) of Gamston was runner-up and Miss Marita Davis (18) of Wollaton gained third place.

For the full story see Friday’s Advertiser.