ONE week into her new busy schedule as Miss Great Britain 2002, the News Shopper caught up with North Cray ballet dancer Yana Booth to see how she enjoys life in the spotlight.

In the media frenzy surrounding the contest, Bolshoi-trained Yana, 21, featured in the national press and on prime-time television shows, a far cry from her former life as a trainee ballerina.

The ex-Bedonwell Primary School pupil is now one of Britain's most wanted faces, set to be the new legs of Pretty Polly and in talks with Premier models.

Yana said: "The contest was very exciting. I didn't think I would win.

"When they read out the names of the runners-up, I thought I may as well sit down. Then they read out my name. I was shocked.

"It was very busy. There have been lots of offers.

"I haven't enjoyed all of the TV stuff so far, as they don't really seem interested. At times they just seemed to think of me as a blonde bimbo.

"I'll only have this title for a year, and I think it should be good fun. I'm not worried what people think.

"I would still love to be a dancer and I hope to go to work at the Lido in Paris one day. It's all new to me but I plan to keep my head on my shoulders."

Yana was sponsored through ballet school by Hollywood star Sharon Stone, who spotted her performing on CNN.

She added: "People have suggested I write to Sharon Stone and tell her but I'm not sure if she would think it interesting. I think I will write to let her know, as she was so good to support me."

As Miss Great Britain, Yana will be entering Miss Tourism World 2002, and the Model of the World and Model of the Universe contests.