weekend at the Miss World Pageant in South Africa.

Miss Mitchell, of Pembroke, failed to make the last 10 of the world's premier beauty competition.

The judges, in Sun City chose Miss Russia, Miss Julia Kurotchinka, in the closest result in the 42 year history of the pageant.

It was the first time a Miss Russia had won the contest.

Only a point separated the Russian from runner up Miss United Kingdom, Miss Claire Smith. Miss Venezuela Francis Gago was third.

Miss Mitchell, 24, whose victory in the Bermuda pageant was surrounded by controversy, had not contacted her parents home to tell them the result last night but they were expecting her back today.