Twenty-year old Nikki Kaur Rana, of Leicester was this year's winer of the Miss India Uk Pangeant.

The event held at Athena Conference and Banqueting in Leicester attracted constants from around the country.

East Midlands BBC 1 News Presenter Priya Kaur Jones and Asian comedian Kevin Sherwani hosted the glittering event.

The top five finalists were: Nikki Kaur Rana, Jayna Tida, Karishma Sethi, Snehali Naik and Gayatri Pattar who then went through to the Judges question and answer segment.

I was really shocked and so surprised, I couldnt believe it, it was like a dream, all my effort and hard work had paid off, I am really proud and honoured to have won this title, It has still not sank in, all the finalist were really great , I still cant believe it said Nikki.

When I saw my parents they were so happy and proud of me, I had to fight to hold back my tears adds Nikki

Sports science student, Nikki is hoping the title of Miss India UK 2005 will lead to a flood of offers for modelling and endorsements of a wide number of brands that are keen to capitalise on the opportunity of using her to access the Asian and mainstream market in the UK, particularly in beauty products and other brands that are looking for a modern woman who possesses brains as well as beauty.

Vanita Panchal, National Director, said All of the finalists were brilliant, they all worked hard and truly enthralled and entertained the audience with their talent, Miss India UK is a magical show, and the most exciting event of its kind in the UK and will only getter bigger and better every year." said Vanita

We have a great Miss India UK Winner in Nikki and I am confident she will do very well in the Miss India Worldwide finals taking place in Mumbai in January 2006." said Vanita

I am looking forward to representing the UK in the Worldwide Finals and will be working really hard, there is a great sense of responsibility with this title and I will carry it with great dignity and grace says Nikki

Nikki, 511 an experienced model dominated the eastern and western segments of the show and performed a dance from a Bollywood movie in the talent section

The competition especially the talents was incredibly high, so I knew had to gain as many marks as I could during the walks and put in the best talent performance I could to get into the top 5 said Nikki

I would like to thank all of the other finalists some of which I have formed strong friendships with for their support and their best wishes, I am confident that a number of them will go on and become big stars in the future and wish them all the best of luck added Nikki.

However, there was joy for Manchester student Chandni Chopra who came out with the Femi Beauty Award.

She is presently completing a Law degree at Manchester University and originally hails from Newcastle.

Manchesters other hope at this years event Karishma Sethi was one of the top five finalists on the night.