A part-time bank worker and model from Teddington was crowned Miss Great Britain last Friday.
Shelby Tribble, 21, was awarded the title by six judges, including Duncan Bannatyne of Dragons’ Den, at the national finals in Leicester on November 14, after she was crowned Miss South-west earlier in the year.
Ms Tribble said she was very shy before her move to Teddington from Plymouth in May 2013, but the win in front of more than 300 guests has filled her with confidence.
She said: "I don’t get too nervous when I’m on the stage strutting my stuff, but I can get a bit tongue-tied when I’m asked a question in front of so many people.
"That’s the thing I was worried most about, but throughout this competition I managed to stay pretty relaxed."
Ms Tribble, who will represent the UK in the Miss Tourism World competition next year, said the environment backstage was far more pleasant than might be expected of a competitive pageant.
She said: "All the girls were really lovely.
"A lot of people say ask me if it’s tense and ultra-competitive, but it was such a nice atmosphere and all the girls got on really well."
The event raised £7,000 for Leicester charity Rainbow Children’s Hospice.
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