'I only entered to boost my confidence!': Beauty queen who suffered selective mutism as a child overcomes crippling shyness to be crowned Miss England 2013

Kirsty Heslewood, 24, was voted Miss England 2013 this evening in the final round of the competition.
The blonde bombshell, from Hertfordshire, said in an interview that after working towards the title for three years, she is 'overwhelmed'.
'I'm so glad it's all paid off,' Kirsty gushed. 'My dream's come true.'
The former Miss North London competed against 59 of the country's most stunning women. They vied for the coveted crown one last time tonight at the Riviera International conference centre in Torquay.

Victory! Kirsty Heslewood, 24, is the new Miss England

Enthroned: The former Miss North London being crowned by Charlotte Holmes, Kirsty's predecessor

Crowning glory: The excied winner with her tiara, sash and trophy

Lady in red: Kirsty poses in the final round and shows off her beach body at the Beach Round earlier this week

But beautiful Kirsty wowed viewers and won the night. Her victory means a shot at winning the title of Miss World, the competition for which will be held later this year in Indonesia. In addition, Kirsty will get an all-expenses paid trip to Mauritius.
Kirsty's victory is all the more meaningful to her as she used to suffer from 'selective mutism'. It's a childhood disorder that renders children so shy they are unable to speak, even though they are capable of doing so.
Kirsty entered the competition because she 'suffered with confidence' and hoped that by competing she might 'make friends, have fun and build confidence.'

The Miss England competition was comprised of several rounds. The British beauties took part in final stages of the competition yesterday as they showed off their creative outfits during the eco-fashion round - where contestants have to make their own 'green' outfit out of sustainable and recycled materials.
Standout creations include a reflective caged bustier mini dress, a frock made entirely of black lace and appliqué poppies and a 1950s inspired outfit compete with red pencil skirt, bra-style crop top and lace parasol.

Last year's winner Charlotte Holmes looks regal as she looked upon her potential successors, including Olivia Caven (r), who upped the ante by blowing a kiss to the judges

Other contestants Leanne Ward (l) and Kirsty Heslewood (r) work the floor

Other outfits included a green fairy dress with wings made of roses, a playful paper dress made of books and an outfit which resembled an ivy-decorated witch.
The girls looked as stunning as ever as they gave one final push in the hope of being crowned this year's Miss England.
Those in the running for the Miss England title this year include Louise Bakewell, 19, from Somerset.
The glamorous competition is a far cry from her usual everyday life training in medicine along side working as a cattle farmer on her parents' farm and trainee mechanic.
Another hopeful is Jade Power, 19, from East Sussex who used to be bullied at school for being 'tall and ugly'.

Performing swimmingly: Miss England 2013 contestants competed in the swimwear round at the final

Like a duck to water: Ruby Bowater beamed as she competed in the swimwear round

On Friday the girls turned out looking glamorous during a day out in the Devon town where they embarked on a gruelling boot camp - including boxing, squats and running - and visited a miniature village.
All hoping to set sail to the Miss World final in Indonesia, the girls kitted themselves out in sparkling tiaras rode as they the bus en route to the Babbacombe Model Village.
Just hours away from finding out their fate, the finalists from across the country waved to passers by on the bus and cheered for the cameras while running at boot camp.
The grand prize includes being crowned with the title of Miss England, plus the all expenses paid trip to the Miss World final and a trip the island of Mauritius.

'The contestants range in height and dress size and participate in challenges that test and develop their physical fitness, mental creativity, styling, interview skills, individual talents, model potential and social skills'

They arrived in Torquay, Devon to compete for the coveted crown last Monday, where the final is being held as it is the home of last year's winner Charlotte Holmes.
The models were given the opportunity to show off their figures as they hit the beach and posed on a yacht in the English Riviera to promote the competition.
Charlotte has relished her year as the reigning title-holder as the role has given her the opportunity to travel the world as an ambassador for a number of charities.
She also travelled to the Miss World final to represent England - as will this year's winner who will have the chance to take part in the beauty pageant in Indonesia.

Holly Broomfield (l) smouldered in dark green while Mellanie Kollatou (r) looked easy, breezy in a billowy orange frock

But Charlotte warned the Miss England wannabes that there's more to the role than just 'parading around in swimwear or a glamorous gown.'
She said earlier this year when the hunt for the 2013 finalists was launched: 'The contestants, who range in both height and dress size, are required to take part in a series of enduring challenges during the four day final, aimed at testing and developing their physical fitness, mental creativity, styling, interview skills, individual talents, model potential and social skills.'

We now know who our Miss England 2013 is, but who's our Mr England?

Jordan Williams wins the Mr England 2013 final yesterday in Torquay

Jordan Williams 'Mr Rugby' won the Mr England crown at the Riviera center

Grace Levy (l) and Jess Page (r) show off caged and ruffled dresses for the eco fashion round yesterday 

Finalists in outlandish creations prepare backstage before hitting the eco fashion runway

Devon Mayson in a lace applique poppy frock (left) and Nena France in a racy 50s get-up (right)