It may seem old-fashioned to some, but these three ladies ignored the armchair critics and battled it out for the title of Whitehawk Festival Queen.

In the age of political correctness and equality, some see such titles as part of a bygone age, but festival organisers decided to bring the event back to life in the 21st Century.

But despite enthusiasm in Brighton's Whitehawk district, entrants were thin on the ground.

In the USA, many Hollywood screen legends hit the big time after winning similar titles, including former beauty pageant contestant Sharon Stone.

Whitehawk Festival Queen organiser Norma Harvey has been involved in such events for 30 years.

She said: "I was very disappointed by the turnout for entrants. Only eight people rang and inquired about the contest and only five girls put their names down as definitely entering."

But festival organisers were not deterred and the judging was held at the Valley Social Centre on Saturday.

Only two girls, Camilla Bryer and Elouise Upton, were brave enough to vie for the title.

Nervous Elouise, 18, of Ninfield Place, took her sister Janine Butcher, 25, of Wiston Road, along for support.

But mother-of-one Janine ended up entering the competition herself and scooping second place, with Elouise taking third. The crown went to 16-year-old Camilla, of Peel Road.

Janine and Elouise will act as understudies to Camilla, who may be requested to attend community events throughout the year.

Camilla, who is studying for eight GCSEs at Patcham High School, admitted she had been teased for entering.

She said: "A lot of the girls at school have been very supportive. The boys make fun, but I just ignore them. Anyway, I wanted to do something for the community.

"My mum's really proud of me and has been boasting to all her friends."

Camilla plans to study art and photography and design technology at Varndean College, then go travelling.

The girls will all receive their crowns on Saturday at the opening of the week-long Whitehawk Festival.

They will join the mayor and other dignitaries at noon for a procession from the Valley Social Centre.

The procession will include the former Miss Whitehawk Pauline Cliff, who held the title in 1950.

Janine said: "I only came along to help her out so I'm a bit embarrassed. I thought I may as well enter for the prize.

"Me and my sister used to fight when we were younger but we get on. We're not fighting about this."