THIS year's title of Miss Cornwall has been won by a 19-year-old from Liskeard who is studying to become a veterinary surgeon.

Briony-Mai Reynolds was chosen at a glamorous event staged in Newquay from among 28 hopefuls, and is now preparing to represent the county at the Miss England finals in August.

Originally from St Neot, and the daughter of Dr Jay Reynolds and Samantha Reynolds, Briony-Mai, who was educated at the village primary school, and Liskeard and Tavistock Community Schools.

She has spoken of her delight and amazement in winning the crown.

She is particularly proud of her achievement as she was born with a medical condition that caused her teeth to grow outwards instead of straight down, and she went through years of corrective treatment with the support of her 'wonderful parents' throughout her childhood.

'I was bullied physically and emotionally because of my appearance,' said Briony-Mai, 'and it gave me the determination that one day I would be a beauty queen.

'I wanted the opportunity to raise awareness that every girl has the right to feel beautiful and have the determination to strive for their dreams.'

Charity

Briony-Mai is a keen sportswoman and likes to help out her brother who is the manager at the Delta Force Paintball Centre in Plymouth where she takes on the role of a marshal. She took part in the Plymouth Half Marathon and likes to play lacrosse for the Northampton University team. She also has a keen interest in photography.

She has worked hard for the Miss World charity 'Beauty With A Purpose,' and one day hopes to set up her own charity working with therapy horses and disabled children.

Briony-Mai follows in the footsteps of former Miss Cornwall's from the area Leanne Ward and Charlotte Holmes, who are both from Torpoint.