|  | Ten beautiful girls had been handpicked to compete for this coveted prize - and this was the night they were expected to shine.
Compere for the night was BBC Radio Derby's Drivetime presenter Dave Harvey and he gently probed the girls about their interests and backgrounds. But the final decision lay with the three invited judges who formed their opinions of the girls in private interviews and by watching their stage appearances.
Before the show, the girls were clearly nervous but seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Natalie O'Conell, 20, said: "It's a really exciting atmosphere. The way I'm going to avoid being nervous is to just imagine that I'm talking to a customer in the shop where I work."  | | Chaddesden's Joanne Fitzpatrick poses for the BBC camera |
And Alexandra Brodrick, 20, told us: "My mum's more excited than I am. She's been running around planning everything for tonight!"
The only girls who knew each other were Holly Brean and Jacinta Gibbons who had been out that day to buy their shoes and dresses together.
But 18-year-old Hilary Crosby summed up the feelings of many when she explained: "It's weird cause I've watched the international contest on telly and thought 'oh I don't think she's anything special' or 'she's nice.' Now people could be saying that about us! Organiser Mary Murphy was the most busy person in the building but said she was enjoying the show - particularly the young Irish dancers who produced a spectacular display despite only forming recently.
Competition judge Maggie Roche said it had been a strong field this year and deciding on a winner hadn't been easy.
But to find out who won this year's title, you'll have to follow the story of the night here. |
