The winner of Miss Gloucester is Bailey Hill

Bailey Hill and last years winner Dani Turner

Youth worker Bailey Hill, 24, from Matson has been crowned Miss Gloucester 2008.

Bailey was voted in to replace Dani Turner from Longlevens as titleholder in a pageant held at Liquid Nightclub in the city’s Eastgate Street. Over 6000 votes from the public narrowed the field from 15 shortlisted entrants to the final five. A panel of judges, including Mayor of Gloucester Norman Ravenhill and rugby star Ryan Lamb, chose the winner.

In second place was Jamie Preece, 22, from Coney Hill with Laura Gardiner (19), Katie Beard (18) and Laura Denman (also 18) making up the finalists.

The Miss Gloucester Grand Final this year was the first time the event had been held in the city for over 20 years. The contest was abandoned in the 1980s, when it was seen to be politically incorrect, and in recent years has been limited to an internet presence.

Bailey will take part in the City’s Carnival Procession and Christmas lights switch-on as well as attending a variety of civic events during the year. She will also represent Gloucester in the semi-finals of the Miss England contest at the exclusive Champneys Health Resort in Leicestershire.

Bailey said, “I am over the moon to have won. My family and friends gave me fantastic support and I am grateful to all of them. I hope to be a positive role model to young people in the city over the next year and to be a good ambassador for Gloucester.”

Outgoing titleholder Dani Turner, who organised the contest to find her successor, said, “I’ve had a great time over the last year and I hope I’ve been able to re-establish the role for years to come. I’m sure Bailey will have a great time and make a real contribution to life in the City.”

City Council Leader Paul James, who helped Dani to organise the competition, said, “I am pleased we have brought back another Gloucester tradition. This competition, in its own way, helps to foster pride in the city and encourage young people. Dani has been the first Miss Gloucester to take part in the city’s events for many years and I am sure Bailey will build on her record.”

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