A PAINTING and decorating student from Croesyceliog has spoken of her delight at being crowned this year’s Miss Torfaen.

Kelly Smith, 22, found the time around three jobs and her studies to take part in Miss Wales and in the grand final was crowned Miss Torfaen.

Currently studying full-time at Pontypool College, Miss Smith works in the mornings as a cleaner at Llanyrafon Social Club, by day she is a make-up consultant at The Body Shop and in the evenings she works as a waitress in Tiffins Indian Buffet restaurant.

Miss Smith said: “It was amazing to be crowned Miss Torfaen, I am over the moon and can’t believe it. All the girls are lovely and you are like one big family.

“Doing three jobs and studying, I always feel rushed off my feet and doing Miss Wales was a chance for me to feel glamorous and confident with myself.”

Forty finalists contested this year’s Miss Wales beauty pageant which culminated with three days of events in Swansea and a finale at the Princess Royal Hotel in Port Talbot on Saturday, April 16.

The Miss Wales crown was won by 23 year-old Ffion Moyle, a health and beauty consultant from Carmarthen.

Throughout the year-long contest, finalists raise money for Miss Wales official charity Beauty with a Purpose and Kelly raised more than £200 by doing a charity walk up Pen-Y-Fan mountain on February 29 and organising a charity night at Ruby’s Bar in Thornhill while also spending time helping provide food to the homeless.

Miss Smith added: “The response from people has been unbelievable, I had Toby Faletau of the Dragons come in to Tiffins and get a picture with me which was amazing.

“I didn’t think there would be so much work involved but I had an amazing time and enjoyed meeting the girls. My favourite part was the empowerment day with Harry Singha when I punched through a wooden board.”

Miss Smith is planning on setting up her own painting and decorating business once she finishes her studies.

Entries for Miss Wales 2017 have already opened, visit http://bit.ly/1A9fRPC to apply.