Rachel, 22, from Ashton in Preston, spotted a billboard advertising the competition in Preston city centre and turned up hoping to practise her autocue skills.

So she was shocked to discover she had beaten 17 other hopefuls to present a special edition of LEP TV to celebrate the launch of the Evening Post's new website.

Dozens of people auditioned for the role of newsreader at Preston Guild Hall last week.

Watch Rachel's audition

Judges Coun Bill Tyson and Evening Post editor Simon Reynolds then had the difficult task of narrowing down the list to their top five before eventually picking a winner.

They heaped praise on Rachel for her professional manner and presenting skills.

Rachel, who studies at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "I'm really pleased to have won. I've always wanted to work on television so to be finally able to fulfill my dream is amazing."

The judges also commended finalists Bea Asare-Djan, Jodie King, Adrian Ward and Nazia Mogra.

See Wednesday's Lancashire Evening Post return to lep.co.uk for a full interview with Rachel.

The competition was run in partnership with Preston City Council