A new Miss Preston has been crowned in a glitzy ceremony.

Niamh Taylor is this year’s beauty queen.

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She replaces Elizabeth Grant, who went on the become Miss England in 2016 and competed in this year’s Miss World competition.

Niamh, 19 and from Euxton, was presented with her crown by Miss Grant.

She was among the final four contestants who strutted their stuff in a catwalk fashion show and performed in-front of a sell-out crowd at the Preston Playhouse Theatre.

Miss Taylor now goes through into the semi-finals of Miss England and will attend a number of charity and social events in the city and wider region throughout her year as Miss Preston.

Niamh told Blog Preston: “I am still overwhelmed at winning Miss Preston, these competitions have helped me gain the confidence I’ve never had and use it positively over the past months.

“I took part in Miss Lancashire last year and finished fourth and I had such an amazing time that I just had to come back.

“I have met the most amazing, inspirational, strong girls and it has been a pleasure to work alongside them doing charity events.

“Without these competitions I wouldn’t have had the confidence I gained which eventually managed to get me my dream job as a teaching assistant.

“I would have walked away a second time with no award and still have had the best time of my life.

“I hope to use my title to spread awareness of the good these pageants can do, raise more for charity and spread awareness of mental health issues. I am excited for what is to come and hope I fill such big shoes left by Elizabeth Grant. Her advice and support has been invaluable.”

Read more: Miss England dazzles at the Southport Flower Show

The events raised thousands of pounds for charity, with nearly a quarter of a million raised in the last five years by Miss England North West contestants – which is donated to Variety a children’s charity.

Miss England regional organiser Mark Jones said: “I always love coming to Preston to do our shows but I think this was probably my favourite.

“I had a comment after the Show from one of our Sponsors saying that they love coming because we have “real girls” who everyone can identify with.

“There was a real mix of personalities and girls from different backgrounds in the show, which somehow conjured up the perfect night.

“It was at times hilarious fun and at others deeply emotional, a real roller-coaster for the audience.

“It’s just a shame that ultimately there can only be one winner as all the girls had worked tirelessly and it was a joy to see their confidence grow throughout the process.”

Read more: There’s also a new Miss Junior Preston been crowned

On the night two Preston girls finished runner-up and in third place. Second was Mia Arguello, 20 and third was Libby Shakespeare, 20. Mia also took home the charity award.

Personality award, voted for by fellow contestants, went to Stephanie Robinson, popularity award, a public vote, was Sarah Gardner, eco fashion award, for the best outfit from recycled materials, Bethany Lowe and the publicity award went to Rachel Crawley.

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