JODI Edwards is basking in the glory of being crowned Miss Worcester 2007 after a tense night at Worcester Racecourse.

The Fernhill Heath-born student held her nerve to impress a judging panel during an on-stage interview on why she should be made the winner.

The 18-year-old said her victory - which means she will represent the Faithful City at Miss England - was "the best thing to ever happen" to her.

"I'm so happy to have won - it's definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me," she said.

"My mum was so proud - she was having kittens after the result was announced. I can't wait to compete in Miss England."

It was a tight contest, with 23-year-old Julia Kokkinos, from Worcester, coming second, and 18-year-old Lauren Powell, from Droitwich, named third by the judges.

Channel 4 racing presenter Mike Cattermole questioned all 11 finalists on stage, asking each one why they deserved to be crowned Miss Worcester 2007.

Miss Edwards received the ultimate endorsement after the current Miss England, Eleanor Glynn, one of the judges, gave her a vote of support.

Miss Glynn, 20, said: "I think she's a fantastic girl and she has a really good chance of doing well in the Miss England competition.

The winner of Miss Worcester 2006, 21-year-old Selina-Nicole Lavictoire, was a judge on Saturday and said Miss Edwards was "the right choice".

Miss Lavictoire said: "Personally, when I spoke to her I knew pretty much straight away she had a great chance of winning. She's a really lovely girl and deserves to win."

Miss Edwards - who is getting ready to do her A-levels next week at Droitwich Spa High School - will head to Leicester in June to take part in the Miss England contest.

Miss Kokkinos, who lives in Bath Road, Worcester, said: "I wish Jodie all the best - she did really well. I just wanted to enjoy the day and to come second was very pleasing."

About 300 people packed the Croft Suite at Worcester Racecourse for the event, which Pitchcroft marketing manager Phil Carey said "went really well".

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