A first-year criminal psychology university student, Rania Zouari, has won the 43rd edition of the Miss Malta contest.

The contest was organised by GM Productions at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, at the university, last Saturday.

Malta-born Miss Zouari, who represented Gudja and who was chosen from among 20 contestants, has a Tunisian father and a Maltese mother.

The judging was carried out by a panel from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Jasmin Azzopardi Schellman, Miss Valletta, won the title Miss Republic of Malta followed by Stefania Farrugia, Miss Birkirkara, who was declared Miss Maltese Nation.

Other titles were won by Miss Gozo, Tania Farrugia of Xewkija - Miss Tourism; Miss Birzebbuga, Shirley Saliba - Miss Solidarity, for her voluntary work in aid of people with special needs; Miss Rabat, Alison Grech - Beauty With A Purpose; Miss Mellieha, Clarissa Mifsud - Lady Malta and Miss Gwida (TV magazine); and Miss San Gwann Stefania Conte - Miss Talent, for her classical ballet performance.

The contest, sponsored by L-Oreal, Paris, included a section for male models, won by Andrea Borg, Mr Personality 2006.