Former Miss Earth England is crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2009

The women took part in an interview and then three catwalk rounds in front of a panel of judges, including TV presenter Nick Knowles, Big Brother 2008 winner Rachel Rice, beauty editor Sue Moxley, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy and Gladiators Du’aine Ladejo (Predator) and Amy Guy (Siren).

Clair said: "Since I was very young, I have always been a huge fan of the Miss Universe® competition. To get the chance to actually be a part of it this year representing Great Britain is a dream come true. I have worked very hard preparing for this weekend and I’m thrilled that it has paid off."

This year the Miss Universe GB® competition raised more than £30,000 for it’s chosen charity The Joshua Foundation - an organisation that provides holidays and life experiences for children with terminal cancer. As well as going to Miss Universe®, Clair will also spend much of her year acting as an ambassador for The Joshua Foundation travelling to the likes of Mongolia, Australia and Romania.

Paula Abbandonato, director of Vibe Models, said: “We are thrilled with our winner and delighted to have raised so much for charity at the same time. It’s been a very exciting year and we wish Clair the best of luck at Miss Universe® in August.”

Runners-up in the competition were 25-year-old Lydia Yhnell from Newport and 19 year old Alize Mounter from Rhondda, Cynon, Taff.

Miss Universe® is one of the longest standing beauty pageants in the world and is owned by Donald Trump. The overall winner will spend a year in New York living in Trump Tower with a diary full of international engagements.