LONDON: An Indian-origin beauty queen has unwittingly sparked a controversy in the UK by winning a beauty contest in a region where she does not reside.

Janeena Basra, 23, who is a resident of Leeds, was declared winner of the Miss Halton Pride in Cheshire, across the Pennines. She triumphed over Donna Hayes, who is considered a 'native' contestant.

Local people in Halton believe the winner should be from nearby Runcorn or Widnes, and not one who is not a resident of the area. More than 50 comments appeared on a local newspaper website voicing displeasure over Basra's win. "Where is the justice in a girl from Leeds being crowned?" wrote a reader.

Winning the Miss Halton Pride title qualifies Basra, who counts bhangra and salsa dancing among her talents, to contest the finals of the Miss England contest to be held in London on July 18. The winner of the contest will represent the UK at the Miss World contest in Ukraine.

Miss England Limited, which runs the Miss Halton Pride contest, confirmed that as per rules, contestants do not have to originate from a particular area to represent it. Basra, who has a degree in human nutrition and is awaiting the result of masters in naturopathic nutrition from the University of Manchester, said:

"I can't understand it, there are no restrictions. I did not experience any hostility at the competition from fellow contestants."