THE agonising wait for the contestants in this year’s Miss Cumbria competition finally came to an end on Saturday night.

The 20 hopefuls graced the stage at Harraby Community Theatre to find out their fate at the 2019 ceremony.

And the lucky contestant to walk away with a new title was Lauren Sweeney from Carlisle.

The 21-year-old was crowned Miss Cumbria 2019.

A delighted Lauren told the News & Star: “I can’t even put into words the feeling I got when Mark called out my name.

“Seeing my family in the audience, who were cheering me on was the best feeling ever.

“I am going to make sure I put this crown to good use and make a difference to peoples lives and the community.

“I want to help local charity shops and continuing work with Eden Valley Hospice and Carlisle Eden Mind and many other charities.

“I also want to expand my campaign about raising awareness on body image by getting in contact with some local school to talk about what it is all about and make a difference to young people that are struggling with issues like this.”

Lauren added: “My family have been a huge part of this experience.

“They have been my rock and without their love and support I couldn’t do it without them.”

Meanwhile, Megan-Jessica Curwen, 19, from Workington, who previously entered the competition last year, came in second place.

Megan-Jessica also scooped the Miss Popularity award, and the Sky Mitchell Community Award.

Following the three awards, she said: “I just feel such a great sense of pride from winning all three of my titles.

“It still feels like a dream if I’m honest.

“Thank you so much to everyone that supported me throughout my journey as a finalist, I really can’t thank them all enough.

“I am so humbled by the amount of support I have received.

“I’m just so excited to see what the next part of my journey onto the Miss England semi finals can bring.”

Landing third place was Charlie Jarvis.

In addition to the main prize, there was an array of glittering awards up for grabs for the finalists.

The titles up for grabs included: Skye Mitchell Community Award 2019, Miss Popularity 2019, Miss Fundraiser 2019, Miss Eco Wear 2019, Cumbria’s Next Top Model 2019, Miss Personality 2019, and Miss Publicity 2019.

Budding entrants can apply all year-round, and following a telephone interview by Mark Jones, organiser of the event, the girls then pay for their place in the competition, and are handed a fundraising pack.

An empowerment day takes place a couple of months before the final, with the grand finale taking place in the spring.

The night also marked the end of a year-long reign for Hannah Bradley, from Penrith.

She was crowned Miss Cumbria in 2018.

Speaking before she handed over her crown to this year’s winner, Hannah said: “I cannot believe it has been a year since I was lucky enough to be crowned Miss Cumbria 2018/19.

“I have had the best two years of my life, one year as a Miss Cumbria finalist and one year as Miss Cumbria.

“I’ve learnt so much about myself and about my community.

“I have grown into a confident young woman who knows what she wants in life and how she’s going to get it.

Hannah had a busy year collecting money for two charities, and appearing at a number of events across the county.

“Over my time involved with the Miss Cumbria organisation I have raised over £3,500 for Variety - the children’s charity, held multiple fundraisers, raised money for CFM’s Cash for Kids and attended over 100 community events.

“I am so proud of the person I have now become, partly due to my time with this organisation.

“I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am to everyone who has supported me throughout this year, if I was to name you all I would be here all year and none of you want that.

“Just know that if you have been involved in my year, even just in the smallest of ways, I am grateful to you.”

The 2018 winner added that the competition opened the door to lots of new friends.

“This competition has given me so many friendships, about 50 in fact, but it has also given me four best friends which I am eternally grateful for.

“It sounds so cliche when I say that winning isn’t everything and that you can make friends for life but it’s so true and I want you all to make the most of your day and build friendships.

“I am so relieved that my journey isn’t over yet and that I am lucky enough to be competing in the Miss England semi final in June but no matter what happens there, I will always be here and involved in Miss Cumbria.

“I dreamt of becoming Miss Cumbria for over four years and on April 28 last year, that dream became a reality.

“I am devastated it’s over but I’m so thankful for the opportunity and I will never, ever forget my year as Miss Cumbria 2018.”

In addition to Miss Cumbria, which is open to those between the ages of 17 and 26 to enter, a separate Junior Miss Cumbria also takes place in the county.

The Junior contest can be entered by those aged between 13 and 16.

The annual competition, which has been running for many years, enables entrants to try new things, make more friends, raise money for charity and help be a role model.

It’s not about how pretty or skinny someone is, the organisers look for great people, who come in all different shapes and sizes.

The inner beauty of the contestants is far more important to the judges.

For more details about the Miss Cumbria contest, go online to www.miss-cumbria.co.uk