A STOCKTON Heath model will be holding the hopes of the north west on her shoulders when she competes for national glory in the prestigious Miss Great Britain finals.

Phoebe Barrett, aged 21, of Hillfoot Crescent, fended off competition from eight rivals to scoop the Miss GB North West title.

After the 'sparkle and shine' and 'evening wear' rounds the top nine models selected for the finale were announced, shortly before the winners of a number of bonus prizes were declared prior to the main event.

It proved to be a fitting warm-up for Phoebe, who scooped the Miss Beautiful Smile accolade.

But it was during the moment of truth, when all judges submitted their final opinions and scorecards, that Phoebe's dream came true.

After being announced as winner by former Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton, the former Priestley College pupil has set her sights on the final showdown in Leicester in September.

Phoebe's journey so far, which started with her being selected from an online round among 1000 girls, has been nothing short of remarkable but she insists preparation and sticking to her rituals is proving to be key.

She said: "On the day I went to get my hair and make-up done alone as I prefer to use my own girls for that and arrived at The Palace Theatre at around 2pm to start rehearsals.

"We all practised a good four times and then went to get ready before the show started around 8.15pm.

"I could not believe it when I won, I was ecstatic!

"I was visualising my name being called out and kept thinking positive - I was just hoping for the best.

"The final round was close between myself and another girl, the judges later told me that my speech gave me the extra points and led to me winning."

Despite celebrations following the memorable evening, there is little time to rest, with Phoebe's next pageant, for Top Model of the World, on Saturday.

But she admits she is relishing the opportunity to grace the stage once again.

"I'm now focusing my attention on my next pageant Top Model Of The World and of course the final of Miss GB in September," she added.

"I don't really want to take a break I'm enjoying being busy it's such a great experience."

As well as the Miss GB North West honour, the glamorous talent received a £500 cash prize, bouquet of flowers, sash and crown.