Knutsford mum and daughter make history at Miss Blackpool pageant

In 1984, then 19-year-old Vicky Bennett won the Miss Blackpool crown in what was the competition's 30th anniversary year.

And on November 22, the day after her 20th birthday, Vicky's daughter Tabitha was victorious in the pageant's 70th year.

The pair have now become the first mother and daughter to win the Miss Blackpool title in its 70-year history.

A delighted Vicky, now 59, said: "I can't tell you how proud I am.

"Tabitha really rocked it. A lot of the girls get pageant training, but she only had me. She was just so brilliant.

"It was really exciting, we had an absolute ball. It was the best night, we were on cloud nine.

"Win or lose in another competition, it wouldn't have mattered, but because there was so much on it, I wanted her to win the 70th anniversary.

Tabitha Bennett is the 2024 Miss Blackpool winner (Image: Supplied) "It was unbelievable she could win it on the special occasion, when I won it on the 30th."

Fashion student Tabitha has only been involved in pageantry for around six months, but has already won the Miss Cheshire title and was named Miss Public Choice in the Miss Great Britain competition.

Vicky added: "Tabitha didn't really show any signs of doing this, but slowly she's come round to it.

"Within six months she's won two major titles and got the public vote in Miss Great Britain, which is just fantastic.

Vicky featured in the Blackpool Gazette after winning the 1984 title (Image: Supplied) "She's really making waves and I've watched her grow into it. From doing it the first time and muddling through, to now, when she came out on stage this time, even I was saying 'oh my God, who are you?'

"I'm so proud of her."

Back in 1984, the Miss Blackpool pageant was a huge occasion, and in previous years had featured celebrity judges including Bob Monkhouse and Les Dawson.

"It's changed a lot," said Vicky. "In my day it was held at the end of the prom, with people in the deck chairs.

Vicky and Tabitha Bennett celebrating with the Miss Blackpool pageant trophy (Image: Supplied) "It was for people on holiday. There would be a celebrity judge, it was massive. It would either be in the theatre if it rained or on the end of prom if the weather was nice."

Next up for Tabitha is the Miss England Cheshire competition in March, which if she wins, will lead to a shot a the Miss England crown.

Victory there would see her represent England in the Miss World pageant, which Vicky says could happen.

She added: "It's not that far away - it is huge, but it's only two steps and the way she's going on, it's possible."

Tabitha has added the Miss Blackpool crown to her growing trophy cabinet (Image: Supplied)