Student is First Muslim Crowned Miss England

　　An 18-year-old student who was born in Uzbekistan has become the first Muslim to be crowned Miss England.

　　Hammasa Kohistani, who has divided the Islamic community, beat 39 other competitors in a two-day final at Liverpool's Olympia Theatre.

　　She was crowned Miss England on Saturday night and will travel to China for the final in December, when she could win ?55,000.

　　Miss Kohistani, of Uxbridge, west London, said: "I'm making history and I'm very happy. Hopefully I won't be the last Muslim girl to take home the title."

　　Before the Miss England final Islamic leaders in the North-West urged all four Muslim entrants to withdraw from the contest as they would be compromising the teachings of the Koran by showing naked flesh.

　　Miss Kohistani said in response to the criticism: "I don't think I have done anything wrong. I have the utmost respect for the strong beliefs of the religious leaders."

　　However, she said other people also had the right to their own views and she hoped people would respect her for her decisions.

　　During the contest the girls took part in a fashion show, in which they modelled sportswear and evening gowns. Each contestant also gave a performance of singing or dancing.

　　Miss Kohistani, known in the contest as Miss Maya after the Asian fashion house that sponsored her, said her family was proud of her.

　　"As long as they're happy, then my conscience is clear that I have done nothing wrong," she said.

　　Miss Kohistani has 11 GCSEs at grade A* to C, and speaks six languages including Russian, Persian and French. She is now studying to take A-levels and hopes to go to university to do a degree in advertising.

　　She was born in Tashkent, central Uzbekistan, after her parents were forced to flee Afghanistan, and moved to England at the age of nine.

　　Miss Kohistani has now been offered a part in a Bollywood movie.