A BEAUTY queen finalist who dazzled judges with her smile has been crowned a Miss England runner up.

Lucy Physick, of Westhoughton, was up against 50 other hopefuls in the Miss England competition final at Southport.

And as well as coming third overall in the competition she came away with an armful of other titles — the only competitor to win more than one category.

By winning the Miss Billion Dollar Smile, Miss Beach Beauty and Miss Publicity Queen titles Lucy, who is the current Miss Lancashire, gained herself a holiday to Mauritius, the opportunity to launch new swimwear line 'Infidelle' and the chance to be an ambassador for the teeth whitening brand Billion Dollar Smile.

Lucy, aged 23, said: "I am completely overwhelmed and excited to have been awarded so many Miss England titles, I didn't expect it at all.

"Before entering these competitions I was always quite shy and I wanted to build my confidence.

"I have met so many different people and had so many new experiences.

"It has become part of my life now."

For the final, held at the Southport Floral Hall, the 50 contestants were put through 10 rounds and were then whittled down to a top 20 and finally a top five.

Any contestant who won one of the heats was automatically put into the final top 20.

In the rounds, which were held last week, the girls could choose to submit a bikini beach picture, trial teeth whitening products and also promote Southport tourism and the Miss England brand.

Lucy, who is a visual merchandiser added: "The Mauritius trip is something exciting to look forward to and I am going to be publicising the Billion Dollar Smile as much as I can.

"I am still Miss Lancashire so I will continue my hard work throughout the year and continue to be a positive ambassador and go out on events and help out wherever I can.

"I am just excited to see what is to come."