A STUDENT from Bournemouth has been crowned Miss Dorset 2012.

Annabell Newman, 19, was named overall winner at the gala ceremony in Weymouth.

The 12 finalists raised around £2,000 for their chosen charity, Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose Foundation, which raises money for disadvantaged children throughout the world.

Annabell, who was sponsored by Friends and Family, was crowned overall Miss Dorset.

She will now go on to the grand finals of Miss England, which will be held in June in Leicester.

Annabell is studying marketing at Bournemouth University, and is also a qualified dance instructor, gymnastics and cheerleader.

She said: “I really wasn’t expecting to win. Everyone else did so well and I really didn’t know how it was going to go.

“I was so happy. It was a great surprise and just a really great day.

“Now I’m looking forward to the finals, I can’t believe they’re so soon – it’s scary but also really exciting.”

Organiser Becky Chapman said: “The night was a great success, all the girls enjoyed themselves a lot and everyone had a wonderful time.

“We were really happy with the amount of money raised.

“I have high hopes for Annabell in the final, especially in the sports round because she’s a qualified dance teacher.”

The winner was awarded a TV presenter’s course, a photoshoot with Prime Photography, a photoshoot with Fresh, and also flowers from Fiona Penny.

Top fundraiser Gemma Wall, 22, who lives and works in Dorchester, was crowned Beauty With a Purpose after raising £385.

The Miss Dorset Popularity award was won by Bridport’s Samantha Smith, sponsored by CT Motorcycles.

The stylists to the finalists were SGM hair, flowers were sponsored by Fiona Penny and the entertainment was provided by Danny Adams.