HEADINGTON student Camilla Chia has been crowned Miss Oxford.

The 20-year-old, who has a Chinese father and English mother, triumphed over other beauties to claim the prize during a pageant at Camera nightclub in St Ebbe’s Street last night.

The former Cherwell School pupil was one of only two contestants to perform in the talent round on the night.

Her performance of urban dancing, which saw her pirouette and do the splits, seemed to curry favour with the judges who included Oxford United striker Jack Midson, The Apprentice finalist Saira Khan and former Miss Oxford and Miss England winner Daniella Luan-Timms.

The Oxford Brookes University student will now represent the city in this year’s Miss England competition – and the judges are confident she can do well.

Mr Midson, who was part of Oxford United’s starting 11 which tasted victory in the play-off final at Wembley last month, said: “She’s very confident and very beautiful. But if they are beautiful and have got another string to their bow it makes them a better contender for Miss England.”

Ms Khan, a finalist from the first series of the BBC’s The Apprentice who moved to Oxford a year ago, said: “Camilla is lovely and I think it’s great she’s mixed race. She has a lovely combination of features.”

Miss Chia was encouraged to enter the competition by friends at the David Lloyd gym in Cowley where she trains five times a week.

The keep-fit fanatic, who balances her studies with two jobs in the city centre, was delighted with the win – but said she wants to go on and become a successful restaurant entrepreneur.

The business and marketing communications student said: “I’m so happy, it’s been an amazing night.

“It’s so exciting to be through to the Miss England finals and to think you could go all the way and win it.

“I’m hoping to do my best for Oxford in the finals.

“This is amazing and will open up a lot of opportunities for me, but my studies are really important and I need to make a basis for my future.”

Her mum Lisa, 46, said: “I’m proud of her but I’m proud of her every day.

“She’s very confident and very focused, and I think she’ll be a great ambassador for Oxford.”

Miss Luan-Timms, from Waterstock, who organised this year’s event, said: “Her dancing was incredible.

“I think she’s got a great chance in the Miss England finals.

“She has all the attributes needed to represent Oxford in Miss England.”

The runner-up in the competition was Witney student Charlotte Goodman-Brooks, 21.