Stunning Natalie Smith was crowned the first Miss Durham in an event of high emotion.
The 19-year-old of Chester-le-Street, wowed the judges with her good looks, poise and personality during the contest at Sedgefield Racecourse.
Natalie will now go forward to represent County Durham at the Miss England championships, with a chance to go forward to the Miss World contest.
The judges for the contest said Natalie had caught their eyes from the first round.
Natalie's sister, 20-year-old Katie McCarthy, finished third in the contest, with Hartlepool's Rebecca Hutton in second place.
Natalie received more than £5,000 worth of prizes for winning the competition sponsored by bookmaker Betfred and is now looking forward to an all expenses paid trip to the Miss England final in July.
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