SWINDON beauty queen Rebecca Cole achieved a top UK pageant honour – for her swimwear look.

The 24-year-old accounts worker from Stratton strutted her stuff at the Miss United Kingdom Galaxy 2009 event in Manchester on Sunday night.

The current Miss Swindon, who modelled a ball gown, bikini and fashion clothes, secured a bronze award out of the 33 girls competing in the event and received the top gong in the Miss Swimwear competition.

Rebecca puts her toned body look down to the hard work she has spent boxing with trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick at The Boxing Academy in Maxwell Street.

“I’ve been pushed so hard while boxing with Paddy for the last six weeks,” she said. “I also do a lot of sit-ups in the gym.

“We had rehearsed all day for Miss United Kingdom Galaxy and then it came to the show in the evening. I was glad to get the Miss Swimwear title, although I was really surprised to win.

“To finish third overall was good but I’m still disappointed I didn’t win. It just shows how competitive I am.

“One thing I would do differently would be to look more confident on the catwalk.

“I must say a big thank you to OMG Hair and Beauty Salon, in Faringdon Road, for doing my tan, hair and nails.”

Rebecca took along former Miss Swindon Sarah-Jane Howe to the beauty contest for moral support and encouragement.

A spokeswoman for Miss United Kingdom Galaxy said: “Rebecca looked fabulous and did so well to get second runner up and also win Miss Swimwear as there was strong competition from 33 girls.”

Blonde twins Samantha and Amanda Merchant of Big Brother 8 fame were part of the panel of judges on the night.

Miss Essex Galaxy Hayley Mac won the competition outright and Emma McInnes took the honour of Miss Teen Dundee Galaxy. Both winners will represent the UK in the grand final of the Miss Galaxy International in Florida, USA, in the summer.

Rebecca now has her sights on entering the Miss Wiltshire competition on April 19 with a view to competing in the Miss England Finals for the second time in July.

For more information about the beauty competition visit www.galaxypageantsuk.com.