South Yorkshire beauty set for world stage at Miss Universe

Jaime-Lee Faulkner, from Treeton in Rotherham, became the first entrant from the north of England to win the national heat of the pageant for 16 years when she was crowned Miss Universe GB.

The 26-year-old entered the contest in 2011 and did not place, but refused to give up and took the title at a glitzy ceremony held at the The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport, Wales, on Saturday, July 23.

She will now go on to compete in the global competition against national winners from all over the world at a glamorous ceremony set to be held in Manilla, Philippines, in January next year.

The salon manager is now determined to put the South Yorkshire region on the world map by winning the global title.

She said: “I am so happy. Back in 2011 I entered Miss Universe GB and did not place, but no way was I giving up.

“I continued to work hard, I went on to compete in other pageants and remained determined.

“Five years on and I feel really proud and honoured that I will be representing South Yorkshire and Great Britain in Miss Universe.

“I will use this title to the absolute maximum and I will do the best I can with it.”

Jaime-Lee has a history of pageant success, having won Miss Scuba International in 2013.

She retired from competition shortly afterwards, but decided to come back for one last chance at becoming Miss Universe.

The former Handsworth Christian School pupil is also a keen supporter of charitable causes.

In 2012 she travelled with her mum Jill to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa.

They joined a group of other trekkers who collectively raised around £60, 000 for Safe@Last - a Dinnington-based charity which provides support to children who have run away from home.

Jaime-Lee described climbing to the top as a “life-changing moment” and added: “Personal goals are something I strive to achieve,

“I enjoy exercise and love a challenge, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, doing some of the highest, longest and fastest zip lines in the world and scuba diving with sharks.

“Through my passion for pageants I have been lucky enough to travel the world, meet influential, inspiring people and make friends for life.

“Being a finalist in Miss Universe is an honour. It gives women a platform to raise awareness of good causes, pushes you to achieve, encourages you to believe in yourself and help inspire others.”