Twenty-year-old Emilie Williams from Glascoed has been crowned Miss Monmouthshire 2013.

The title was awarded at the grand final of Miss Wales 2013 which took place at St David's Hall in Cardiff last Saturday (13th April).

Emilie was brought up on a dairy farm and is a huge animal lover and avid supporter of Welsh farmers and Welsh produce.

She is in training to be a classical singer and sing in French, German, Latin and Italian and hopes to go on to study a degree in opera at university, so she can make singing her full time profession.

Emilie achieved a distinction at Grade 8 Singing and studied Musical Theatre at Coleg Gwent Crosskeys and has always loved musical theatre and the opera.

Her dream role would be to play Christine in Phantom of the Opera, and Juliet in Romeo & Juliet.

She said: "My family is the most important thing in my life and I am very lucky to have a very supportive and loving one.

"I am extremely patriotic and believe Wales to be one of the best nations in the world.

"Our beautiful country and the Welsh culture is something I hope never to be separated from, and it is a true honour to be in the Miss Wales 2013 final and to be crowned Miss Monmouthshire 2013.

The overall title of Miss Wales 2013 went to 19-year-old Gabrielle Shaw from Wrexham.

Blonde Gabrielle currently manages her mum's clothing boutique and has been accepted to study at the London College of Accountancy in September for a degree in law and business. She hopes to become a barrister.

The event raised more than £20,000 for Bobath Children's Therapy Centre for Wales through the Miss World charity Beauty with A Purpose.

The final night was the culmination of an intensive three-day programme for the women. On day one, the contestants all took part in the Miss Wales Empowerment Day with a leading life coach.

The aim of the day was to grow the self-esteem and confidence of the young women involved and to encourage them to make a difference in their own lives and to the lives of others around them.

Day two involved intensive rehearsals and the Miss Wales charity ball, while day three saw the women take part in an interview with the judges and two catwalk rounds.

Miss Monmouthshire goes on to compete for the title Miss Wales, which then qualifies for Miss World.

Monmouth - Chepstow - Raglan