The 15-year-old's natural beauty and bubbly personality landed her the title, as well as the possibility of a contract with North East England agency Tyne Tees Models.

The Jarrow School pupil loved every minute of the Gazette's annual show – Fashion High-fliers – and said winning the Face of 2008 was just an added bonus.

Kelsey said: "I'm so happy to win, but so shocked. I'm really chuffed and ecstatic.

"I didn't think I was in with a chance, and I really thought a boy would win this year.

"I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the fashion show, it was a really good experience and lots of fun."

Her win came just at the right time as dad Darryn, 37, a window cleaner, had been ill for two weeks with kidney problems and the good news was just the boost the family needed.

Mum Tracey, 36, a care assistant, said: "My cheeks are hurting from smiling so much.

"We have been jumping around. It's been an amazing feeling to know she was the winner.

"Watching the show, I thought she was in with a chance, but that was because she's my daughter and obviously I'll always think she's a winner.

"She loved every minute of the show, and to come out and win has made her ecstatic."

Kelsey dances with Dance City in Newcastle and would love to combine dancing and modelling. She said: "I'd love to do both. I love dancing but modelling would be great.

"I went along to the castings after seeing it in the Gazette and thought I'd give it a try and see what happens. I can't believe I have won, but I have made some really good friends."

Kelsey lives with her mum, dad, brother Daniel, 17, and sister Ellie, five.

Tracey added: "We are so proud of her. She works hard in everything she does, and always makes us proud. Kelsey is really close to us. She's so lovely and I'm sure she'll still be her usual self.

"She's so energetic and bubbly and she never stops smiling. When she's not in the house, it's so quiet. She's always dancing around while I'm making the tea or singing in the shower.

"She is so outgoing and she has confidence but is not big-headed."

Tyne Tees Models boss Lesley Lister said: "Kelsey is really beautiful and she has striking features.

"She has a great personality, which really came across during the Gazette fashion show. She has genuine stage presence. I'm really looking forward to working with her."

Deputy editor Paul Woods added: "The standard this year was very high, but Kelsey is a real English rose and it's not hard to see why the model agency saw potential in her. I'm sure she has a big career ahead of her."

Kelsey will now have a professional shoot to create her first portfolio and could end up on the books of Tyne Tees Models.

Fashion show director Peter Darrant said: "Everyone looked fantastic on the catwalk, however, Kelsey's smiling personality shone through."

* Fashion High-fliers raised money for the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund and Cancer Connections.

Its main sponsors were Pet-Supermarket and Thompsons Solicitors, alongside Asda in Boldon, Colman's, Beamish Hall, Barbour, Desire By Debenhams, L'amour Bridal, Port of Tyne, South Tyneside College, Specsavers and Tavistock Leisure.