Beauties battle for the title

Dazzling dresses, tousled tresses and personalities that sparkled as much as their smiles.

The young ladies hoping to be crowned Miss Black Country had all the credentials of a beauty queen – and each was as well-grounded as they were well groomed.

While beauty plays a big part in the contest, the personality test revealed that the finalists in Miss Black Country 2008 were all down-to-earth girls proud of the people they were hoping to represent as the new face of the area.

The fresh-faced girls from the likes of Dudley, Tipton and Stourbridge, presented themselves as well-grounded girls in front of the audience of hundreds at Wolverhampton Racecourse. Judges of this year's final – which included Miss England and a former Miss Sandwell and Dudley – faced a tough time making the all-important decision.

The girls had face-to-face interviews with the panel, which gave them the chance to talk about their ambitions, aspirations and the chance to represent the Black Country.

It was Kayleigh Yeomans of Tipton who was crowned winner and will go on to compete for the the Miss England title. The 19-year-old bank worker said she was delighted to win Saturday's contest.

"I couldn't believe it when my name was read out. I'm so shocked," said Kayleigh, a former Tipton carnival queen.

"All the girls in the competition have been lovely. We all got on really well and have had a fantastic night," she beamed.

Kayleigh, who showed the audience her sign language and German skills as her talent, said that she was proud to be representing the Black Country.

"The best thing about the Black Country is the people and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to be an ambassador for the area," she added.

Olivia Tooby, aged 19, of Stourbridge, came second in the contest, while third place went to Rachel Webb, aged 24, of Dudley. Current Miss England Georgia Horsley, from Yorkshire, crowned the winner and said she was impressed by all the finalists.

"The standard has been very high. They are all beautiful girls with great down to earth personalities. It wasn't easy making the final decision, but I think Kayleigh is very confident and that did shine through."

Gemma Williams, who was Miss Sandwell and Dudley in 2006, was also on the judging panel, alongside Wolves legend Steve Bull and Charles Hanmer of the Black Country Society. "I'm very impressed by the girls. It's important to remember that personality is as important as beauty," said Gemma, 26, of Compton near Wolverhampton.

The competition was run by Wolverhampton Racecourse and Beacon Radio.

Amanda Thomas of the racecourse said: "The event attracted a good crowd."