THE new Miss Blackpool is living proof that you don't have to be skinny to win a beauty contest.

Beating 15 local stunners to the title, Caroline Porter, 19, from Rossall, told compere Joey Blower how she had entered the competition because she thought it shouldn't just be reserved for the Kate Mosses of the world.

She said: "It's not just for the size 8s. I want girls to know there is definitely room for the more curvy size 12s like me."

More than 150 hopefuls - the highest number recorded so far - entered the famous beauty contest in five heats.

But it was Caroline who took the crown with a smile as wide as the Golden Mile.

And Miss Blackpool's first official engagement was to present a giant stick of Blackpool rock to pop star Gary Barlow along with Blackpool mayor Bill Burgess after the former Take That star switched on the town's illuminations on Friday (September 3).

Caroline also scooped a top prize of £1,000 while runners up, dancer Joanne Birchall of Liverpool and Natalie James, a Blackpool student, received £500 and £250 respectively.

Hosted by Brannigans nightspot and sponsored by many local businesses, retiring Miss Blackpool Caroline Loeben of Cleveleys was also on hand to offer top tips as well as her crown to the lucky lady who will take Blackpool into the Millennium.

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