LAW student Sheena Stuart showed she had beauty as well as brains when she was crowned the Bolton Evening News Girl of the Year.

Sheena, studying to be a solicitor in Bolton, was the judges' favourite at the contest's glittering final night at the Atlantis Nightclub on Friday.

She pipped runner up Sherene Fogg and third placed Claire Astbury for the title.

More than 200 girls entered the contest. Readers of the Bolton Evening News voted through the newspaper and by telephone to select their winner. Thousands of votes were received with the top 16 girls reaching Friday's final.

Sheena's prizes included a £400 beauty make-over, a fantastic three-night break in Amsterdam, a VIP pass to the Atlantis Nightclub, a modelling contract and a year-long cinema pass.

Sponsors of the contest included Saks Hair and Beauty, St. Andrew's Travel, Atlantis, Little Dimples Model Agency and Virgin Cinemas.

The judges for the contest were Jackie Gorton, franchisee of Saks, Andrew Dickson, Managing Director of St. Andrew's Travel and Craig Smith, manager of Atlantis.

Mark Rossiter, Editor of the BEN awarded the prizes.

The other finalists were: Cherie Bradley, Serena Dawes, Jacinta Grundy, Niquita Hatshorn, Jennifer Heaton, Stacey Hiawka, Kelly Hunter, Michelle Hurst, Ginette Matthews, Michelle Parr, Selena Peake, Adele Urmston and Kathryn Wilson.

After winning her crown, Sheena, who was nominated for the contest by her boyfriend, said she was looking forward to the Amsterdam holiday and being pampered by the Saks team.

Sheena will also be attending various functions representing the Bolton Evening News.

"I'm thrilled. I didn't think I would win because there were so many other pretty girls."

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