The delighted 22-year-old psychology graduate, from Llanymynech, wowed a panel of judges at the competition's final, held in Liverpool on June 8, with an in-depth presentation on autism on-route to claiming one of the country's most coveted beauty prizes.

"I have spent the last few months in a primary school doing work experience with autistic children and have absolutely loved it," said Jamie, who now hopes to return to university to complete a teacher training course.

"The kids are all wonderful and they really inspired me to use autism as my subject of choice because it's something I feel really strongly about."

As well as brains and beauty, which she demonstrated by showing off a selection of evening and sports wear, Jamie has also shown a great deal of determination in getting to the top after she narrowly missed out on the top prize at both Miss Wales 2006 and Miss Universe 2008.

But the hard work is now paying off and after clinching Miss Beauty Queen 2008, Jamie will now represent Great Britain in the final of Miss International in Chicago, America, on July 25 and 26.

"To finally win a competition after being placed in both Miss Wales and Miss Universe is a fantastic feeling," added an ecstatic Jamie.

"I now head to Chicago to represent Great Britain in the final of Miss International and hopefully I can come back from the States having done myself proud."

The event at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts in Chicago will give Jamie the opportunity to learn about customs and family life in other countries, along with the chance to share her beliefs and make new friends during the entire week of activities leading up to two exciting evenings of competition.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. People with autism have difficulties with everyday social interaction.
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