WITH her short, dark hair, pale skin and a degree in forensic science, Sherie Smith isn’t your stereotypical beauty queen.

But on Saturday, the 22-year-old student from Covingham walked away with the crown as Miss Swindon 2009 – and she plans to put her originality to good use.

“I am elated. This something I really wanted to achieve,” she said.

“I’m not your typical beauty pageant type. I don’t have long blonde hair or a fake tan – I am someone who is a bit different and original, someone articulate.

“I am looking forward to representing the women of Swindon and showing there are some strong women here.”

Sherie, a former Dorcan Technology College pupil who is currently studying for a masters degree in toxicology at the University of Surrey, was joined by her mum, dad, boyfriend and nan for the judging at the Old Bank Brasserie in Wood Street, Old Town.

Her nan Beryl, 74, said: “I can’t put into words how proud I am.

“I would have cried if she didn’t win, but I cried more when she did. I lost my husband recently and when they were reading the results I was praying to him to help her. I didn’t need to – she was the only winner here.”

That’s not strictly true, of course. Of the 10 finalists at the judging, three others walked away with sashes and crowns.

The biggest prize of the day went to Elishma Fernandes, 21, a telesales worker from Toothill, who took the prestigious Miss Wiltshire crown. She automatically wins a place in the Miss England finals this summer, whereas Sherie, as Miss Swindon, will take part in a semi-final at Champneys in the Midlands next month.

The loudest screams of joy came from Elishma’s eight supporters, including a small baby, who raised the roof when her name was read out as Miss Wiltshire 2009.

Elishma said: “My friends screamed so loud it shocked me. I am still shaking now and it really hasn’t sunk in.

“I can’t wait to go to the Miss England finals and be a part of all that glamour.”

Lora Humphreys, a 22-year-old trainee surveyor from Stratton, won the Miss Popularity title for achieving the most online votes during the public voting stage. She now goes on to compete for a place in the Miss England final.

Lora’s path through the Miss Swindon contest had not been an easy one, having been suspended and later reinstated after allegations she had appeared on a porn channel were found to be untrue.

She said: “It been a crazy time for me, but I am pleased to have won something. I’m still in the running.”

Jennifer Spence, a 19-year-old student nurse from Wootton Bassett, was crowned Miss Charity for raising the most money for the National Autistic Society in the run-up to the judging.

She also goes forward to another heat.

Among the judges on Saturday were the reigning Miss England Laura Coleman and her predecessor, Georgia Horsley, who were both impressed by the calibre of the entrants.

Event organiser Rhona Shafik said: “It’s good to see a girl with short hair winning for a change. I think Elishma and Sherie could go far.”