THE new face of Worcestershire says she will do the county proud.

Shereen Angel, a bright, bubbly 19-year-old trainee accountant from Norton, near Worcester, was named the first ever Worcestershire Rose following a tight competition at Worcester Racecourse yesterday.

Second placed lady was Juliette Swainson, aged 40, of Kempsey, and third went to Claire Williams, 22, of Lower Wick, Worcester.

The competition, run with the Worcester News in conjunction with the racecourse and hairdresser Umberto Giannini, was to find a Worcestershire ambassador who could attend charity, business, and community events over their year-long tenure.

The diverse field ranged from students to mothers involved in charity work, aged 17 to 40.

Judges were impressed by the quality of the entrants and had their work cut out selecting from a strong field.

But by the end of the sixth race on a beautiful day at the racecourse, the decision was made.

Miss Angel, who works in the finance department at Pershore High School, said she was “overwhelmed” to have been chosen.

“I’m so happy – I didn’t think I’d be last, but I never thought I would come first at all,” she said.

“We’ve got so many great events on in the county this year with the Queen coming to the city, the Olympic torch touring the county and the march of the soldiers back from Afghanistan.

"I will be proud to attend those events on behalf of Worcestershire and want to thank everyone who has voted for me and supported me.”

Proud mum Cheryl Broome said it had all been “emotional” and could not stop smiling.

Not only did Miss Angel win the competition, she also managed to collect 230 bras for the 2nd Skin Lingerie Bra Chain appeal.

In her new role she will shortly appear at the racecourse’s Ladies Day on Saturday, June 9.

All the girls received goody bags full of gifts, with Miss Angel bagging prizes worth more than £1,500 and a cut-glass trophy from 2nd Skin Lingerie.