A local Bollywood beauty queen fell short in her aim of being crowned Mrs UK at the final of a national pageant - but did claim one of the competition’s other awards.

Sweety Kamble, 45, qualified for the final of the UK Galaxy Pageant after being crowned Mrs St Albans in December.

Despite missing out on overall victory, the actress, model and part-time beautician, of Sandpit Lane St Albans, was named Mrs Popularity in the pageant’s final, held in Lancashire on February 4.

Contestants with the most votes on the UK Galaxy Facebook page going into the weekend were shortlisted for the prize, and Sweety was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges.

The final at the Park Hall Hotel in Preston also saw finalists judged by a panel of experts from the fashion industry in four rounds - fashion wear, swimwear, evening wear and an interview.

The newly-crowned Mrs Popularity Galaxy said: “I want to thank everyone who encouraged and supported me in every possible way in my preparation.

“I felt very honoured to represent St Albans at such an extravagant event.

“I also want to thank UK Galaxy for giving me a great platform to show my talents and abilities.”

The UK Galaxy pageant was first launched in 2008 and is open to all girls from the age of 12 and above. Every year it hands out titles across five age groups - Junior Miss, Miss, Teen, Ms and Mrs.