Ex-Miss York lands national title – now it’s Miss World (From Gazette & Herald)

Ex-Miss York lands national title – now it’s Miss World

11:06am Monday 2nd July 2007

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"I feel absolutely over the moon - I can't even begin to describe how I'm feeling."

Those were the words of the new Miss England, North Yorkshire's own Georgia Horsley, after she stormed to an amazing victory in the competition.

Georgia, 20, of Norton, beat off competition from 91 contestants - including Naomi Smith, 19, of Copmanthorpe - to win the largest ever Miss England contest.

Incredibly, in a double for the region, Naomi was just pipped at the post too, coming in second place.

The entrants were judged on their appearance and personality over the three-day competition, during which they dressed in vintage outfits, showcased their talents and skills - such as interviewing and flower-arranging - on stage and donned gowns for the final night.

Georgia, who was Miss York in 2005 said: "I feel absolutely over the moon - I can't even begin to describe how I'm feeling. I can't believe I've won - it hasn't sunk in yet but I'm still on cloud nine at the moment.

"I'm very excited about entering the Miss World competition in China - I can't wait to see what I'm going to be doing. I'll be very proud to be representing York, especially because Naomi came in second place - it's just fantastic."

Georgia said she was going to be working very hard to promote York across the world and that she would be trying to get the city recognised even more than it was already.

She said it would be wonderful if her victory launched a career for her in international modelling.

Naomi, who as well as landing the runner up spot won an award for the best hair, said: "I'm really, really thrilled for Georgia that she won and I'm really, really pleased to have come second - I didn't expect it at all. I don't feel disappointed, as I was just hoping to get into the final 30, so the fact that I came in second was amazing and unbelievable."

Naomi said it would be lovely if her recognition led to bigger things - but that, at the moment, she was just enjoying having finished as runner-up.

Vivienne Lee, organiser for Miss York, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the winner of Miss England is from the York area and that the runner-up is from the city. It's a great thing for York, because Georgia will be going to China in December to compete in the Miss World competition. We're very excited about that - we're making plans already to go and support her there."

She said that as the winner of Miss England, Georgia would be involved in many engagements - during all of which she would be promoting the city of York - at home and abroad, including raising funds for charity.

She said that Georgia would be an ambassador for York, meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures all over the world.

"We're very, very proud of Georgia and Naomi," she added.

The Miss England contest was held between Thursday and Saturday, in Leicester.

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