A TEENAGE beauty queen swapped college for the catwalk to be crowned Miss Durham.

Kimberley Peacock, 17, from Wheatley Hill, County Durham, was chosen from 18 finalists to scoop the title on Saturday night and go through to the Miss England competition in July.

First year Durham sixth form student Kimberley was one of the youngest entrants in the contest, which took place at Sedgefield Racecourse, and expressed joy and disbelief at her victory.

“I was so shocked when I heard my name being read out as the winner – it still hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Kimberley, who is also a part-time waitress.

“Most of the girls were older than me, and they were so beautiful, but they were so lovely to me when I won.

“I’m so excited to be representing Durham at Miss England – I can’t stop smiling.”

The runners up, sharing joint second place, were Katie May Pearn, 21, from Wingate, County Durham, and Jodie Dodds, 20, from Darlington.

Sarah Thewlis, commercial executive for Sedgefield Racecourse, congratulated Kimberley on winning the Miss Durham crown, and said: “She worked so hard to get her own sponsor, and did not give up.

“But to us, all the girls were winners because they were all fantastic.

“They were great sports, and very supportive of the winner, which was fabulous to see.

“We hope to see them all again next year.”

About 80 young women aged 17 to 24 entered the competition, which states applicants cannot be married or have children, and must not have posed for topless or nude photographs.

Last year’s winner was Laura Azevedo, a 20-year-old half-Brazilian business administrator from Hartlepool.

Now in its sixth year and increasing in popularity, organisers hope to host next year’s contest in a marquee at the racecourse. The event’s main sponsors were JG Paxtons, Mitie Properties, and Knowledge IT.

The Miss England contest takes place in London on July 19 and 20.