Beauty queen who dreamed of becoming a nun is crowned Miss World - as angry protesters picket pageant

ABOUT MISS WORLD: Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares

Age: 21

Height: 179cm (5ft 9in)

Language: Spanish

Biography: Ivian has a degree in human resources and works for a broadcasting company. Her future ambition is to work with children. 

Family: Ivian has 12 siblings and was sadly orphaned as a young girl

Hobbies: Volleyball, mountaineering and trekking. 

Describe yourself: Graceful and perseverant.

Personal motto: Everything arrives when it should.

Favourite food: Chicken soup and the traditional pabellon of my country.

Favourite music/books: Music, Alejandro Sanz and Ricardo Arjona. My favourite book is ‘The Secret’ because it talks about the laws of attraction and how to be in tune with your life goals.

Proudest moment: When I did my Communion. All of my family were together that day so it is a moment I cherish deeply

Over a billion viewers from around the world tuned into see her crowned the winner, with runner up prizes going to Miss Philippines and Miss Puerto Rico. Fans who were unable to follow the final on television were kept up-to-date on the internet via live streaming and Facebook updates and tweets. 

Representing the UK, Miss England, Alize Mounter, and Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reogh, both made it into the top seven. But Miss Wales, Sara Manchipp, and Miss Northern Ireland, Finola Guinnane, did not make it to the semi-final.

This was the 60th year of the beauty pageant and to celebrate its diamond anniversary, it returned to the city where it all began. The first was held in London in 1951 during the Festival of Britain on the South Bank of the River Thames.

But throughout its 60 year history, the beauty competition has attracted critics as well as fans.

This year was no different and campaign groups, including London Feminist Network, Object and UK Feminista, voiced their opposition to the 'sexist contest'.

Runners up: Miss Puerto Rico, Amanda Victoria Vilanova Perez, left, and Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Gaelle Sandrine Ruais

A statement on the London Feminist Network website rallied women to join a protest they held at Earls Court while the competition was taking place. 

A statement on their website said: 'Let the organisers and all those profiting from the event know that we are all angry that such an event is once again being held here in London.

'Bring placards, banners and raise your voice against this appalling offence against women's equality. Let them know loud and clear that this event has no place in London in 2011.'

But Miss England director Angie Beasley disagreed with their sentiments and said the contest 'had changed with the times' because it was no longer just about looking good in swimwear.

She said: 'There is a talent, sports and Beauty With A Purpose round, which is the fundraising round, in the contest and the girls love taking part.

'Yes they have to look great to win but it's so much more than a beauty contest. These people should give it a chance instead of thinking it's just a bikini parade.