Hammasa Kohistani, 18, made history when she represented England in the Miss World championships in December 2005 in China. She was the first Muslim contestant to be crowned Miss England.

Born in Tashkent, central Uzbekistan, to Afghan parents who were forced to flee Afghanistan during the Taliban rule, Hammasa, who speaks six languages including Russian and Persian, was selected from 40 contestants following a two-day competition.

Dressed in an ivory white chiffon and silk ball gown designed and made by her mother, the teenager spoke of her joy at winning the title at Liverpool's Olympia Theatre. "I'm making history and I'm very happy. Hopefully I won't be the last."

Among the contestants was another Muslim entrant, Sarah Mendly, 23, who was voted Miss Nottingham.