Helen stunning despite final disappointment

9:57am Saturday 19th July 2008

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MISS York looked stunning on the stage in a gorgeous blue gown – and did her city proud.

But beauty queen Helen Jackson just missed out on a place in the top 20 at last night’s Miss England finals in London.

Instead, the law student from Claxton looked on as last year’s champion – York’s very own Georgia Horsley – handed over her 2007 crown to Miss Derby, Laura Coleman.

Helen, 20, wore a dress designed for her by York-based fashion entrepreneur Sarah Ashton as she joined 50 other hopefuls from across England.

Vivienne Lee, organiser of Miss York, said: “It was a tough competition and she has done the city proud.

“I’m disappointed for her because she worked so hard, but she will still have the rest of her year as Miss York and I know she will do an exemplary job.

“She is an extremely professional young woman with a lovely personality and stunning figure.

“She’s got everything going for her and I know this won’t be the end of her career in modelling.

“Helen has to combine her law studies at Newcastle University with appearances as Miss York back in York, but she takes it all in her stride – she is amazing.”

Runner-up in the beauty pageant was Miss Surrey – 17-year-old Chloe Marshall, a trainee opera singer who was the first size 16 girl to reach the Miss England finals.

Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge, 21, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who served in Iraq and was dubbed Combat Barbie, was awarded the Eco Girl Award.