Martha Fenech, 17, from St Julian's was recently crowned the winner of Miss World Malta 2008, at Montekristo Estates. This contest is organised by Sue Rossi and Claudia Calleja from Modelle International.

Martha Fenech was a cover girl for I DO magazine, a publication of Standard Publications, when she was just 15 years old. Since then, she has gone on to win various beauty contests and has also appeared in various promotional campaigns.

As the winner, Ms Fenech was presented with a prestigious crown and sceptre sponsored by Sterling Jewelers, the official sponsors of the event. Ms Fenech was also awarded Miss Madina Milano presented by chemimart group.

Sarah Spiteri placed second in the Miss World Malta contest, followed by Charlene Farrugia, who placed third.

The Miss World finals will be held on 4 October in Kiev, Ukraine where Malta will be represented among 108 other countries, in a contest seen by 2.5 billion viewers.