DESPITE freezing temperatures, the final of Miss Newport 2013 and Miss Torfaen 2013 went ahead and the two winners were crowned.

Sarah Abdullah, 22, from Bettws, was crowned Miss Newport 2013 on Tuesday night in the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran while the Miss Torfaen 2013 title went to Charlotte Hunt, 20, who is a part time model and waitress from Pontypool.

She said: “I took part in Miss Newport last year but was unsuccessful so to win this year is amazing.Mypassion is law but I have done clothes modelling in the past so if there was a chance to juggle the two it would be a dream come true.”

Ms Abdullah, who works for QS Rubin Lewis O’Brien Solicitors in Cwmbran, also won the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ prize, having raised more money for charity than any other contestant in Newport during the run up to the regional final.

The young women competed in three catwalk rounds of casual wear; little black dress and evening wear and had one-to-one interviews with a panel of judges.

The runners up in Newport were Ashleigh Woodward from Caerleon and Charlotte Beeze from Langstone, who also won the public vote.

In Torfaen, Jessica Kirkham Jones from Cwmbran came second and Ffion Smith from Pontypool came third.

Lauren Oram, from Pontypool, took the Beauty With A Purpose prize for Torfaen. While Sophie Bettridge, from Tredegar, who goes to school in Torfaen won the regional public vote. All the winners will have the chance to compete in Miss Wales final, and that winner will compete in Miss World in Bali.

Director of Miss Wales, Paula Abbandonato, said: “We had a great day and we are thrilled that the weather didn’t put them off. I wish them all the very best of luck.”

Around £1,000 was raised for charity during the competition.

The Miss Wales team is now looking for representatives from Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire, visit www.misswales.co.uk