Knutsford student hopes to be crowned Miss Great Britain tonight

Tabitha Bennett is competing in the final of Miss Great Britain, the country’s longest running beauty contest, this evening, Friday.

The 19-year-old was crowned Miss Cheshire 2024 in August and has been working as an ambassador for the past few months, raising money for cancer research.

Her mum, Vicky, was runner-up in Miss Great Britain – 41 years ago!

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Tabitha crowned Miss Cheshire with mum Vicky, Miss Exquisite World (Image: Supplied)

The 59-year-old is still winning beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Exquisite World last year.

Tabitha and mum, Vicky (Image: Supplied)

Vicky said: “It’s a bit of fun and escapism for me.

Vicky congratulates Tabitha on being crowned Miss Cheshire (Image: Supplied)

“I’m so proud of Tabitha. She has worked really hard.

Tabitha hopes to be crowned Miss Great Britain (Image: Supplied)

“You don’t just turn up and put a swimsuit on. It’s not about the prettiest girl with the best figure.

“This is something that takes a lot of commitment.”

Tabitha celebrating at home after being crowned Miss Cheshire 2024 (Image: Supplied)

Tabitha is studying fashion marketing at the University of the Arts in London.

Vicky said: “She is fashion crazy. She is obsessed with vintage and loves old fashion.

Tabitha has been raising funds for cancer research as Miss Cheshire (Image: Supplied)

“I am a hoarder and she puts on clothes I’ve had for 40 years and goes out in them.

“She wants to work in marketing for a fashion house.”

Tabitha enjoys being an ambassador (Image: Supplied)

Along with 70 competitors from across the UK, Tabitha had a personal interview with the judges yesterday.

This evening, she will be taking part in an opening dance routine and then modelling fun fashion, swimwear and evening dress.

Miss Cheshire was the first beauty pageant Tabitha entered (Image: Charlotte Clemie Photography)

Vicky said: “It’s about being the right girl for the job, a good person.

“You have to make personal appearances and be an ambassador.

Tabitha with her Miss Cheshire crown (Image: Charlotte Clemie Photography)

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

“I am very proud of Tabitha for sticking to her guns and being herself.

Tabitha loves fashion (Image: Charlotte Clemie Photography)

“She would never have Botox, tattoos or her lips done.

“She wants to compete with what God gave her.

“She is a very natural, beautiful girl.”

Vicki remembers being overwhelmed with the glamour and luxury of beauty pageants when she was a teenager.

Vicky Bennett, left, runner up in Miss Great Britain in 1983, with winner Rose McGrory and finalist Karen Moore (Image: Supplied)

“For the Miss England, we were taken on a two-week Mediterranean cruise,” she said.

“When I competed in Miss Great Britain in 1983, we stayed at The Waldorf Hilton, all paid for,” she said.

“I was only 19 and had never been to London.”

Vicky as Butlins Holiday Princess in 1983 (Image: Supplied)

Vicki recalls being crowned Butlins Holiday Princess, a prestigious title in its heyday.

“I won a brand new Ford Escort Ghia and £1,000 which was a lot in 1983,” she said.

“It was just unbelievable.

“We’re really excited now for Tabitha.

“Everyone has shown her great support.”

Miss Great Britain will be live streamed on Friday, October 18, on YouTube from the Athena in Leicester.