That's our girl! (From Free Press Series)

That's our girl!

PONTYPOOL model and Free Press columnist Emma Corten is the new Miss UK Earth, writes Adrian Osmond.

Emma, who turns 18 on Monday, will now compete in the Miss Earth finals in the Philippines in September.

She won a modelling contract, a wardrobe of designer clothes and an expenses-paid, dream trip to the Philippines against competition from 28 other girls in the final at Hammersmith Palais on Sunday.

Emma will be the first UK representative in the finals as this was the first-ever UK final.

But her victory wasn't straightforward. She competed in all the rounds, wearing casual, evening and bikini wear. Contestants also had to complete a dance routine and answer a round of questions about the environment.

But when the last ten names were called, hers wasn't among them. Due to a mix-up over the scores, she was left out. Emma thought her chances were over.

Speaking exclusively to the Free Press, Emma said: "I was just packing my bag to go home when they came and told us to go back on stage." "By then, I really didn't think I had any chance of winning.

"When they called out my name to say I'd won, I didn't react. It only sank in when I saw people cheering for me.

"I could hardly speak. I wanted to cry but couldn't. There were so many pictures being taken, I didn't want my make up to run."

Emma is now looking forward to modelling for Sky Sports and for a prestigious calendar.

Before that though, she's got more down-to-earth duties to perform. After sitting her A-levels at West Mon school, she's earning money by cleaning at the school.

And on Monday, she's starting her new job as a dental nurse in Newport. "I'm looking forward to that, but I've got a lot of things to think about now," she said.