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Lancashire teen wins Miss Deaf World
A Lancashire teenager has sashayed, smiled and performed in sign language to win a Miss World title.
Rosanna Mazzocchio, 19, has seen off competition from across the globe to claim the Miss Deaf World 2008 crown.
The teenager used sign language to perform You'll Never Walk Alone in the talent round at the beauty contest final in Prague.
Rosanna, who grew up in Chorley and went to Royal Cross Primary School for deaf children in Ashton, Preston, said: "I still cannot believe that I've won the title.
"It was such a buzz feeling to see hundreds and hundreds of people cheering.
"When they called out number 12, I was dreaming and forgot that the number 12 was mine.
"It was brilliant, a fantastic feeling."
Rosanna was encouraged to enter the competition by her father, Ernesto, and mum, Marilyn, who is also deaf.
Rosanna was reluctant at first but is now glad she entered.
She spent two weeks before the competition doing catwalk shows and appearances in the Czech Republic.
Rosanna said: "My family, friends and my boyfriend kept saying that it was once-in-a-life-time opportunity, which I should grab.
"After a while, I agreed with them and took the opportunity.
"If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have won Miss Deaf World."
Rosanna, who now lives in Wolverhampton, beat competition from 16 glamourous girls to be presented with a crystal crown worth 12,000.
The teenager plans to celebrate her win with a holiday with her boyfriend and family and is considering accepting an offer of a two-year modelling contract in Prague.
Rosanna puts her success down to the support of her mum, who runs a business organising sign language courses.
She said: "My mum is the person that I admire most because she is the greatest mum anyone could ever have."
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
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