In the end, there could only be one winner. And while the 10 beauties who failed to walk away with the Miss Worcester title on Saturday night are understandably disappointed, they will no doubt accept that Jodi Edwards is a deserving bearer of the crown.

This lissom lovely was praised by the judges not only for her looks, but for her modesty, her relaxed attitude and her intelligence (she is currently studying for three A-levels).

These are precisely the qualities we would like our city to project, and Miss Edwards will be a worthy representative of Worcester in the months ahead, especially when she vies for the Miss England crown.

On a more personal level, Miss Edwards is, as you might expect, elated at her victory.

"This is the best thing that has ever happened to me," she told the Worcester News, which organised the competition in conjunction with the firm that runs Worcester racecourse.

No doubt other experiences will jostle for that accolade in the years to come - Miss Edwards is only 18 and has a bright future ahead of her.

But whatever she goes on to achieve, she will always remember the time the people of Worcester chose her as the prettiest girl in their city.

And that is why there is still a place for beauty contests in this age of political correctness.

Woman have fought long and hard for the right to do anything they choose in life, and virtually no door is now closed to them - but sometimes, just sometimes, happiness involves a ballgown, a tiara and a sash.

We would like to congratulate Miss Edwards on her victory and wish her an enjoyable and successful year as the face of Worcester.