VIDEO: Miss Mansfield and Sherwood Forest 2015 winner is crowned

Mansfield born-and-bred Amy Beilby was crowned this year’s winner at a glittering ceremony at the John Fretwell Centre on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old singing teacher told Chad she was determined to win the title, after entering previously in 2012.

She said: “When I first found out, my heart was pounding. It’s just the most amazing feeling - but it still hasn’t sunk in.”

The former Brunts Academy pupil was desperate to win the title to give herself “a chance to be the best ambassador” she could be for the district.

Amy added: “Being a really good ambassador is important to me and it will give me the chance to do everything I want to do.

“I am determined to raise as much money as I can for my chosen charity, Macmillan. It is a charity really close to my heart and I want to be able to help people.”

Aside from a packed social life, Amy, who succeeds Jessica Boot as the winner, took home a host of top prizes, including an all expenses paid trip to Mansfield,

Ohio, USA, and a gym membership for Mansifeld Leisure Trust.

The first runner up in the pageant was Lucy Bevan, 19, from Mansfield, and second runner-up was 17-year-old Shelby White, from Worksop.

These competitions took place over a three-week period, after eight weeks of rehearsing by the twelve finalists.

Other finalists in the competition were Shelley Egginton, 18, from Mansfield, Georgia Staniland, 20, from Mansfield Woodhouse, Samantha Hart, 17, from Mansfield Woodhouse, Amy Land, 17, from Mansfield, Rhianna Hook, 19, from Mansfield, Evie Bevan, 17, from Old Blidworth, Alicia Levy, 18, from Mansfield and Kirsty Kirkland, 20, from Mansfield.

This year’s event also included several other awards sections, including Miss Fitness, Miss Photographic, Miss Congeniality, Talent Award, Voiceover Award, Ecodress Outfit, Style Queen, Stunning Hair and More than Beauty.

And as well as securing the top spot in the contest, performing-arts-pro Amy also bagged the Miss Photographic Award and won the talent competition with her singing skills.

Judges included Rachel French, owner of Ten Green Bottles coffee lounge, politician Sid Pepper, Mansfield Rotary president Philip Richmond, Catherine Bull, chairman of the Debdale Park Sports and Recreation Club and former Miss Mansfield 2013, Grace Turner.

The black-tie event also saw a three-course meal for the first time, bringing in 180 guests.

Organiser and former winner Tricia Mapletoft said: “This was by far the best competition yet - all the girls were amazing.

“The whole contest was at a very high standard and every one of them showed they are gifted and talented - it’s not just about looks.

“Amy won because she had the whole package. She had the beauty, the talent, the passion for her charity, and most of all, passion for the Miss Mansfield role.”

If you are a local business or you are organising a charity event and would like Amy to attend, contact Tricia Mapletoft on 07989 578175 or email [email protected].