A BEAUTY Queen from Blaenau Ffestiniog has been awarded a prestigious title.

Shonie Leah Williams, who works as a general assistant at Gwesty Seren, a facility which offers holidays and respite care for those with disabilities, was recently competing at the Miss Wales competition.

She was placed fifth in the national competition, out of 30 entrants, but was also named as Miss Gwynedd 2018.

Twenty-year-old Bethany Harris from Newport was crowned Miss Wales.

Shonie, who has spent the last year fund-raising for Beauty with a Purpose, including a 13,000ft skydive, was elated.

“I had so much fun for the three-day-long final of Miss Wales 2018,” said the 20-year-old.

“We started off with an empowerment day and we all learnt so much from it.

“I broke an arrow with my neck, walked over broken glass and smashed through a wooden board with my hand!

“The second day was rehearsals all day and then we had a ball in the evening where I was awarded ‘best publicity’ before the last day which was the final!

“I was lucky enough to get a place in the top five out of 30 girls!

“I also won the title Miss Gwynedd 2018 which will allow me to continue raising money and awareness for Beauty with a Purpose and taking part in the community in a range of events. In the future I’m definitely going to take part in Miss Wales again. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had.”