THE LAST time the Miss New Brighton beauty contest was held, the latest holder of that crown had not even been born.

But last night 18-year-old Beth Greenham marked the relaunch of the event by being named the first Miss New Brighton since the contest was last held in 1989.

Beth, who is due to begin a maths and business degree at Liverpool John Moores University next month, was one of 18 finalists.

A loud and appreciative crowd saw the revival of the event at Leasowe Castle Hotel last night.

It was organised by Marion Thompson, owner of Talula’s wine bar in Victoria Road, New Brighton, who persuaded several local businesses to sponsor the return of the beauty pageant after years in the wilderness.

She said: “I wanted to bring it back because New Brighton is on the up again.

“The whole community has got together with everyone playing a role in making sure tonight’s event was a big success.

“Everyone wants a bit of fun and glamour and I’ve already had people who want to apply for next year’s event.

“There were so many gorgeous girls it was unbelievable, and it was really hard to know who to choose for the title.”

Miss New Brighton 2008 – who receives a £1,000 prize and a portfolio of fashion photographs – had no time for those who say such events are not politically correct.

“I think they’re narrow minded,” she said. “This is a celebration of beauty and shows off the talent in the area.

“I’m not your stereotype pageant queen and we’re not bimbos. I love performing and being up on the catwalk.

“I enjoy the lights and the atmosphere and the buzz.”

In second and third places were Heather Carman, 23, and Laura Etherington, 21.

With work on the New Brighton Floral Pavilion Theatre progressing and detailed planning applications submitted for the rest of the Neptune Developments £70m revamp of the resort, there is a chance future competitions could be based at the planned outdoor pool.

The competition will bring back memories for many who recall the resort’s open air pool packed with spectators watching hopefuls parade.

The contests started in New Brighton in 1949 when around 15,000 people watched the event at the outdoor swimming baths.

They ended when the outdoor baths were damaged by winter gales and demolished in 1990.

alanweston