Congratulations. How does it feel to be the newly crowned Miss Northern Ireland?

Truly honoured. I'm so delighted, totally over the moon. It hasn't sunk in yet. The final was nerve-wracking and I was so grateful to be there. I know there are a lot of girls who would've loved to have made it to the final.

What did you wear on the night?

My dress was very different - it was fun and interesting. I feel it represented me and who I am as a person. It was a peach mermaid-like, strapless dress and very fitted. It flared out below the knee with a fish tail train at the back. It was decorated with sequins which caught the light when I moved.

I searched the internet for a lifetime looking for the perfect dress, but eventually I found it in a bridal and dress wear boutique called Angel Star in Carrickfergus. I had to have it.

Dish the dirt, what really went on behind the scenes? Tears and tantrums?

No, not at all. Everyone was really lovely and we all had a great time.

I did wonder beforehand what it would be like - girls being girls. I think it helped having the current Miss World, Tat'ana Kucharova, at the competition to show the high standards that are expected of you when you are representing your country. She set an example that we would all like to follow.

After winning Miss Northern Ireland, everything else is a bonus and I can't wait to go to the Miss World competition in China.

Indeed, winning Miss NI guarantees you a place in the Miss World competition later this year. Have you had much time to think about your next beauty pageant?

No, not really. I've had a hectic schedule so far. It's such a wonderful opportunity for me and I feel really honoured. I'm going to head out there to have fun and enjoy myself, meet people from 120 countries around the world and have a great time.

Have you a background in modelling?

No, not at all. This is my first time doing something like this and I'm loving every minute of it.

How does it compare to your day job as an air hostess?

I've been working with Jet2 for nearly two years now and I think it's provided me with a really good background for my role as Miss Northern Ireland.

An important part of being an air hostess is grooming and presentation - that comes from having to have hair and make-up sorted for those 4am starts. I'm well used to early starts and meeting and greeting members of the public.

I'm also very punctual. The plane doesn't wait for you if you're not there.

Although I did my A levels in media studies, English literature and religious education, I didn't want to go to university. It was actually through an advert in the Belfast Telegraph that I applied for my job. I sent away my CV and cover letter to Jet2 for an interview and was recruited.

How did you make the journey from flight attendant to the Miss NI finals at Belfast's Europa Hotel?

So many people kept saying to me that I should enter Miss NI. I got the application forms, but I wasn't really sure.

My mum, Myrtle, (below) and dad, David, told me to go for it. I'm an only child and we're a very close knit family - dad, mum, me and my granny Jean, my mum's mum. They were right behind me every step of the way. My boyfriend of two years has also been supportive. I entered the Belfast heat which was held in Cafe Vaudeville in April and when I got through to the final I was thrilled.

I wore a strapless, knee-length light pink dress with a dandelion print from Warehouse.

The competition was very strong, some girls entered more than one heat to try and make it to the final.

To win is an honour - if it had all ended on Monday night I would have been happy that I got that far.

Last year's winner Catherine Milligan handed her crown over to you at the final. Have you had the chance to meet any of the other former Miss NIs?

I swapped mobile numbers with Catherine at the final. She was really lovely.

We're going to meet up for coffee soon. She's going to give me the lowdown on what she got up to during her year as Miss NI and some advice as well. And she has lots of photos from last year's competition.

I met Zoe Salmon, Gayle Williamson and Angela McCarthy and they were all really lovely, too.

Because of your job, you're well travelled already. What's you favourite destination?

Pisa, Italy. I found it really relaxing and so different to anywhere I've ever been. My work takes me to Spain, Italy and France quite a bit. I love Italy the most, I think the scenery is beautiful and the people are fabulous - so warm and friendly.

Being an only child, you must be very close to your mother?

My mum is my best friend. We're like sisters. She's always been very supportive of me and she's always there for me. I can talk to her about anything and she'll listen. My mum and dad were with me the night I won and they were so proud of me.

Did you always dream of becoming a beauty queen?

Always. From a young age, I wanted to be an air hostess and a beauty queen. I never actually thought I would make it on to the stage - I hoped I would. You never think that it's actually going to happen to you.

What models did you idolise growing up?

Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks. I remember seeing their pictures on the front of magazines covers and thinking, 'Wow. That's exactly what I want for me'. They really inspired me.

I think they are incredibly strong women and great role models, too.

What do you make of the size zero debate?

I think young girls need more responsible role models than some of the women currently in the media. They need real life women who eat and have curves. I'm totally against size zero - young girls should not feel that they have to be a size they are naturally are not meant to be. It's not healthy.

A decade ago Louisa Jane Brown was crowned Miss Northern Ireland. Like you, she's a past pupil of Belfast Model School for Girls.

Yes, that's right. It's such a coincidence, I'm sure the teachers will be delighted to hear another past pupil has won ten years on.

The prizes on offer included a modelling contract with Alison Campbell Modelling Agency, the use of a Honda car for a year and a £1,000 of lingerie from Pretty Women.

So much has been going on, I haven't had time to take it all in. I'm a bit of a shopaholic so I can't wait to hit the shops at Junction One and spend my vouchers. Also, Posh Frocks on Belfast's Lisburn Road are providing me with a wardrobe for Miss World so I'll have a great time picking out new dresses before I head to China in December.

Any beauty tips ?

I swear by Clinique foundation, cleanser and moisturiser. Urban Decay eyeshadows are my favourite.