THE 2011 Miss Dorset competition raised more than £1,467 for the Weymouth RNLI.

The crowning ceremony took place in Banus at the weekend on the seafront where friends, family and fans turned up to cheer on the 14 girls who were in the final.

Leading up to the final all the girls were given a challenge - to raise as much cash for the Weymouth Lifeboats as possible.

Crowned overall Miss Dorset was Larissa Hirst, who will now go on to the grand finals of Miss England.

The top fundraiser Paige Edwards, 17, who was sponsored by Karen Baker, was crowned Miss Dorset Charity after raising over £281.

The Miss Dorset Popularity award was won by Weymouth girl Shiralee Gould, who was sponsored by Bridal & Ball, Shiralee received 844 votes.

Miss Gould, 18, from Westham is currently studying animal management at Kingston Maurward Agricultural College.

She said: “The whole night was amazing – everyone was really lovely and not at all catty like you might think at a contest like this.

“I received the most votes and also raised £105 for the Weymouth lifeboats by asking people to donate. I would definitely do it next year – it was so worthwhile.”

The winner was awarded with a TV presenters’ course and a dress from LA Brides.

This is the second year the event has been held in Weymouth and organisers hope to continue for a third year after getting entries from more than 50 Dorset girls this year. The rounds included a cocktail dress section and a question round.

Organiser Victoria Omlo said: “It has been fantastic – a really good year. All in all we raised more than £1,400 for the lifeboats and it’s a really successful fun night.”

The stylists to the finalists were, SGM Hair, flowers were sponsored from Fiona Penny and the entertainment was provided by Shark Sandwich. The regional Miss England rounds will take place on June 13 in Leicestershire.