Express & Star

New Miss Black Country crowned

A dancer and charity ambassador from Rowley Regis has taken the prestigious title of Miss Black Country 2016-17.

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Abigail Cutler, who said she was 'still in shock', will now go through to the Miss England semi-finals in June. She was chosen at a glittering catwalk event after two months of hard work of charity fundraising and raising publicity for the spectacle.

More than 250 friends, family and local firms attended the pageant at the Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill, at the weekend.

Jade Secker, Miss Black Country 2015-16, was also at the event to hand over her crown to Abigail.

Some 28 candidates paraded in eco wear, sports attire, fashion wear and evening dresses, with 12 selected as finalists.

Abigail said she was thrilled to have been chosen and was looking forward to celebrating with her family.

She said: "As a local Rowley Regis girl I'm looking forward to showing how amazing the Black Country is, with lots of charity and community work over the year. Every single on of the finalists did incredible and we all showed how the Black Country girls can achieve amazing things."

If successful, she will go on to represent the area at the Miss England Finals in Southport on the July 20 and 21.

The organisers have announced that due to the finalists' 'success and the hard work' throughout the competition, that the first and second runners-up would also compete in the Miss England semi-finals.

They were first runner-up, performing arts student Faye Campbell, who raised more than £1,400 for the Beauty With a Purpose charity, and second runner-up Alex Robbins, who also 'worked tirelessly'.

Rachael Butler, head judge and Miss United Kingdom 1996, said: "Abigail really stood out on stage, she had excellent stage presence as well as a positive and hard working attitude.

"She has worked hard at every round and I know she will be a great ambassador to the Black Country, and represent us incredibly well at the Miss England Finals."

Rachael Barker, Miss England regional director said the girls grew in stature from first-round nerves to confident young women.

She added: "Every single finalist deserves to be truly proud of what they have achieved, and helping incredible charities and local businesses along the way. I want to thank everyone that came to the competition and I am looking forward to seeing Abigail's year"

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