17 year old Patricia Rodríguez from Tenerife was crowned Miss Spain 2008 at a gala in the Marina d'Or complex in Oropesa del Mar (Castellón) last Saturday night.

Second prize went to Miss Madrid, Claudio Moro (22).

The other six finalists narrowed down from an initial 52 candidates, were from Cádiz, Asturias, Zaragoza and Melilla.

The Miss Elegance award went to Miss Melilla.

Among former beauty queens taking part in the pageant were: Cecilia Bolocco (Miss Universe, 1987), who is married to Argentinian president Carlos Menem, Michelle Pfeiffer (Miss Oregon, 1978), Halle Berry (Miss Ohio, 1986), and Sophia Loren (runner-up Miss Rome and Miss Italy, 1950).

Ms Rodríguez is 1.79 metres (5 foot, 10 inches) tall and her vital statistics are (90-60-92cm/ 35-24-36 inches).

The photo shows her being congratulated by her proud parents.