Laura, 19, from the town centre area of Hartlepool, beat 20 other girls in the final of Miss Durham held at Sedgefield Racecourse on Saturday night.

The half-Brazilian business administrator will now go on to represent the county in the Miss England competition in London, on July 18.

Miss Azevedo was handed the title by last year's winner, Verity Walker, 19, from Darlington and said she was thrilled to win.

"They were all just such great girls. I'm stunned to have won it," she said. "It would have been really nice just to take part and get to meet everyone, so to win it is amazing.

"I've tried to just take it in my stride and not take it too seriously and I would have been happy for any of the girls to win, but obviously I'm pleased it was me."

Miss Azevedo, a modern apprentice with Hartlepool Borough Council, said she was cheered on by her family, friends and colleagues at the council.

The 20 finalists took part in three catwalk style rounds including traditional evening wear and an interview round during what Miss Azevedo said was a "fun but tiring" day of rehearsals and fittings.