THE new Miss Swindon and Miss Wiltshire were crowned at a glamorous event held at the De Vere Hotel on Sunday evening.

Catissa Creighton, 22, from Royal Wootton Bassett, took the Miss Swindon title while student Nicole Cox, 17, from Swindon, was named Miss Wiltshire.

The pair were two of approximately 100 entrants to the competition who were whittled down to 13 finalists. They will represent the town and the county in the Miss England finals and if they are triumphant they could represent the country in the Miss World pageant.

Nicole, who studies at New College and is assistant coach with Swindon Lightning Cheer Athletics, said: “When they announced that I’d won I was very shocked, I paused for a moment and started crying with delight.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to carrying out my duties as Miss Wiltshire.”

During the event, at the Shaw Ridge venue, the girls, aged between 17 to 24, took to the stage in recycled dresses made from newspapers and charity bin bags, as well as donning elegant evening wear on the catwalk.

Hannah Golding, co-organiser and event presenter, said: “The competition was very tough, and very close towards the end.

“All of the girls did stunningly and we are so happy with the winners. They have big footsteps to follow, being a former Miss Swindon I know how tough it can be but with the help of myself and the other Wiltshire beauty queens we will help them become one of Wiltshire’s treasures.”

The winners received trophies and prizes from the event’s sponsors, who included, Bare Mineral Make Up, Goldsworthy’s hair salon, Rachel’s Wedding and Kiss Gyms.

In the build up to the final, the competitors raised funds for Beauty with a Purpose, the charity associated with Miss World, with the group’s final tally still being counted up.

On Saturday, the finalists were also put through their paces taking part in a fitness bootcamp.