SHE did us proud. Georgia Horsley may not have carried off the title of Miss England, but MS York made it into the final 12 of the contest in Liverpool on Saturday, competing for the crown against 39 girls.

She showed no signs of disappointment afterwards, saying: "I had a brilliant time."

The 18-year-old beauty shimmied down the catwalk showing off her stunning red evening dress, designed by Sarah Ashton, of Thimbelina.

Then, amid cheering and camera flashes, she danced in her sportswear with the other girls.

During her on-stage interview, Georgia, of Norton, told the audience how she enjoyed canoeing, rock climbing and white water rafting with the Venture Scouts.

Although the crown was taken by Miss Maya, Hammasa Kohistani, Georgia said she had loved the experience. "I had a brilliant time and I was so thrilled to get into the final 12," she said. "Some of he girls who had done it before told me to just enjoy it and not to let nerves get in the way, so I just got on with it and had a brilliant time.

"The best bit was walking down the catwalk and getting to know the other girls.

"I would love to take up modelling full time and I'm really excited about the future."

The contest was compered by Miss England 2004, Danielle Lloyd.

A panel of 11 judges included Miss World 2004, Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, and Miss England organiser Angie Beasley.

Miss Birmingham, Jolie Myatt, took second place, while Miss Personality, Nichole De Carle, finished third.

York competition organiser Vivienne Lee said Georgia had a fantastic year ahead of her as MS York 2005.

"The night went extremely well and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves," she said. "The 39 girls that didn't win shouldn't be disappointed because the standard of girls was so high.

"Georgia did extremely well and I'm sure she'll go on to do other competitions and will have a successful modelling career."

Georgia was sponsored by Monks Cross Shopping Park.

Details for the next MS York contest will be released over the next few weeks.

:: A day in the life of a beauty queen

After weeks of preparation, Georgia Horsley finally began her day as a Miss England contestant at 8.30am.

"We left the Liner Hotel in Liverpool quite early and rehearsed for two hours in our evening shoes and our casual clothes," said Georgia.

"Then we went on a magical mystery tour around Liverpool seeing the sites and learning about the Beatles.

"We came back to the Liverpool Olympia after lunch to rehearse some more and then started to get ready and have our hair and make-up done.

"It's been really crazy backstage because everyone's running around getting sorted but I've been so excited; I love it."

Georgia's makeup was done by the Northern College of Beauty and Holistic Therapies and her hair was styled by Minsky's Hair.

Updated: 10:09 Monday, September 05, 2005