POISED and elegant, beauties took to the catwalk in shimmering gowns to battle it out for the Miss Hull and District crown.
But the competition could only have one winner and Sammie Dixon cried buckets when the judges announced she was one step closer to becoming Miss England.
The beauty pageant was held at the Country Park Inn, Hessle, and included an interview round, casual clothing, eco-friendly outfits and evening wear.
Sammie, 20, said: "I had a line-up in my head of who I thought was going to be placed in the top five and when they read my name out I just cried.
"They were definitely tears of happiness, but I kept being told to smile and breathe. It was quite hard.
"I had two rowdy tables of supporters and friends and family were cheering me on, including my boyfriend, Josh.
"I came second last year and met so many people, I wanted to give it another shot to represent Hull in the Miss England semi-finals.
"Before I went on stage, I was still absolutely terrified. I was shaking like a leaf, but it was all worth it and it was amazing to win this time around."
Sammie, of Hessle, is studying dance at the University of Lincoln, but also dreams of becoming a police officer and working with young offenders.
She said she wants to inspire them to take up new hobbies and help to turn their lives away from crime.
Sammie said: "I would enjoy working with young people and having a career in the police force.
"Some of my family members have worked as officers and it would be a good job."
The new beauty queen said she has "big shoes to fill" when representing Hull for 2013.
"I'm going to try my best and can't wait for the next stage of the contest," she gushed.
"The eco round was my favourite and I want to go bigger and better.
"I love being creative, doing something different and demonstrating local pride."
Taking the prize for runner-up on the night was Leanne Whitehorn, with Paris Milner in third place, Chloe Tong in fourth and Sophie Rachael Bone in fifth.
Sammie was also named Miss Eco, while contestant Charlotte Bontoff was named Miss Photogenic and Chloe is the new Miss Charity.
It was the fourth year the pageant was held, organised by the first winner, Emma Bird, who said it gives the girls a "real sense of achievement". She said: "Sammie's eco outfit was made from papier mâché and an old bed sheet, with the theme of 'places around the world'.
"She'd pinpointed her home town on a globe and demonstrated the importance of those close to her by creating a family tree.
"It was very creative and she looked beautiful in her evening gown. The judges also noted she was graceful and ever so polite during the interview round.
"Sammie is a lovely, hard-working girl and knows it's not about putting on a pretty dress and getting everything she wants."
Emma said this year's competition saw a wide range of girls from different backgrounds battle it out for the chance to be named Miss Hull and District.
Contestants included a bio-medical student, a trainee lawyer, a fashion designer and performing arts students.
Emma said: "The girls get to meet new people. It's a good experience for them and, if they are interested in modelling, it can really help."
Sammie took the crown from last year's winner Jessie Palmer, who said the competition opened doors for her and gave her a much-needed confidence boost.
"I was even spotted by a modelling agency from London and I signed with them for a while. It's been a great experience," she said.
"But now I'm focusing on a career and would like to work for the Probation Service.
"I plan to enter one more pageant and organise and judge competitions."
And she proved she's got what it takes after helping to select this year's Miss Hull.
Jessie judged the competition alongside Sky1's Got To Dance finalists Hash Tap, of Hessle and David Copperwaite, of Beverley- based Image-Fitness and Nutrition.
"I enjoyed not being in the competition this time around because it can be quite stressful," she said. "I managed to get ready in half an hour before the final and could relax a bit more.
"When all of the girls came out, a lot of them gave me goose-bumps. They looked stunning.
"I was mentally dress shopping when they took to the catwalk and Sammie was very confident and put in a lot of effort.
"All of the girls looked amazing and I couldn't tell who was going to be in the top five but Sammie stood out."
• Pictures from the Miss Hull beauty contest
