By Ross Brewster

Last updated 13:43, Wednesday, 30 April 2008

WEST Cumbrian student Natasha Cooper thought she had fluffed her big chance to win the first Miss Cumbria title.

• Slideshow: view the contestants and crowning
• Video: Miss Cumbria 2008

Winner Natasha Cooper

But 18-year-old Natasha’s sparkling personality shone through to impress the panel of judges which included Miss England, Georgia Horsley.

And Natasha, from Eskdale, was thrilled when her name was announced as the winner of the final round of the competition, held at Armathwaite Hall Country House near Bassenthwaite.

She beat nine other Cumbrian beauties to the title, and was crowned by Georgia, who competed in the 2007 Miss World contest.

Natasha confessed: “I felt overwhelmed at first. It’s a fantastic feeling to be the very first Miss Cumbria. Amazing really. I certainly didn’t expect to win.”

The IT student, who was born in Whitehaven and lives with her grandmother while doing a degree course at the Lakes College, said: “My mind went blank at one point when I was answering questions from the panel and I was convinced that I had fluffed it.

“The other girls all came out of the room looking so confident I didn’t think I had a chance.”

Natasha, a slim 5ft 8in brunette, said: “I entered a competition once before and got to the final six. This time I was determined to enjoy the experience whatever happened and have fun.”

Natasha told the judges, who also included Miss England’s mum Jean Horsley, that in her spare time she loved looking after her family’s animals.

She said: “I got my first pony when I was six so I love horses and my mum is involved with dogs so animals play a big part in my life.”

The new Miss Cumbria narrowly pipped another west Cumbrian candidate, 18-year-old Kimberly Blakeway from Cleator Moor, to the crown.

Kimberly, as first runner up, will be entered for the Miss England semi finals. She told the judges she is a lifeguard at the Copeland pool in Whitehaven and would eventually like to train as a paramedic.

Miss England contest organiser Angie Beasley said: “We will definitely do it again and next year.”

Natasha Cooper’s next bid date is July 18 when she represents Cumbria in the Miss England finals at London Docklands. She will be up against 49 other regional winners.

The winner of Miss England goes on to compete in Miss World, this year to be held in October in the Ukraine.

Other finalists yesterday were Sophie-Louise Craig from, Dalton in Furness; Tracey Moore from Carlisle; Kimberley James from Whitehaven; Jill Sawczuk from Carlisle; Natalie James, Whitehaven; Lianne Reichert, Whitehaven; Louise Mitchell, Brampton; and Amie Joughin from Dalton in Furness.