The 19-year-old English language student at the University of York, will now go on to represent the city at the Miss England finals.

Hannah beat off competition from 18 other young women to win the coveted Miss York title at the Royal York Hotel last night.

Hannah said: “It’s just been a great experience meeting lots of new people. It’s quite overwhelming to win it as you think everyone is so beautiful.

“I just hope to do a good job.”

Miss York organiser Angie Beasley said Hannah, originally from Milton Keynes, was chosen because “she walks beautifully, she is confident and she is beautiful. She is a lady and she has every attribute a Miss England should have, so I think she will do very well in the final”.

Amy Twiddle, 18, of Strensall, came second and Eilish Coady, 19, of York was third.

All the competitors paraded in evening wear and sports wear before a crowd of more than 150 people.

The judges then whittled the contestants down to a final 11 who were then interviewed on stage by former Miss York and Miss England Georgia Horsley.

Last night’s event began with a minute’s silence in memory of former Miss York organiser Vivienne Lee, who died following a fall last year.

The glamourous event also raised more than £1,000 for the Varity Club of Great Britain. The contestants also raised cash. Heather Walker, 17, of York raised the most, amassing more than £700. She was crowned Miss Charity and won a place in the semi-finals of Miss England.