Jade Saunders, 20, from Scalby, will now represent the town at the Miss England semi-finals in June.

She beat 24 other contestants at the Miss Scarborough grand final at the Spa Ocean Room.

More than 320 people watched the ceremony which was hosted by current Miss England Georgia Horsley from Malton.

A tearful Jade said after she won: "This is absolutely amazing and I cannot believe this has happened.

"All the girls did brilliantly and they all looked gorgeous.

"I was in complete shock when they called my name out. I just could not believe it.

"I have had a fantastic night and it has been a great event for Scarborough."

The crowd cheered throughout the event and organiser Vivienne Lee from Events Connect said it was one of the best she has seen. She said: "We have held a lot of events this year to find the next Miss England and I have to say the crowd in Scarborough was the best yet.

"It was great to see so much support for the girls.

"They all did a super job and Jade is a beautiful winner."

Jade, who is a student at the University of Hull, was sponsored by Beautique, in Gladstone Road.

She will be given her first assignment today when she makes an appearance at the Business Trade Fair at the Hotel St Nicholas.

Her mum Jackie said: "I am bursting with pride. She has done so well. This means so much to her and without a shadow of a doubt I think the best girl won."

Organisers said they now plan to make the competition an annual event for Scarborough.

Mrs Lee added: "We have had so much support from Scarborough. It has been incredible. We will definitely be holding another one next year."