THIS year's Face of Plymouth winners have described their win as amazing, with both admitting their mums were behind them entering the glamorous competition.

Both 18-year-old Myles Easton, from Staddiscombe, and 22-year-old Jessica Harmsworth, from Bere Alston, said they were still in shock after the glitzy event held on Friday evening at Plymouth Pavilions.

Jessica, a merchandising manager for a publishing company, said: "It was a fantastic evening, but when my name was read out, it was really shocking.

"My brain just froze when I walked down the steps.

"It was such a fun night and everyone became such good friends, you forget it's a competition.

"During rehearsals, we didn't think we were going to do it right, but the performances by everyone were so good.

"I was so impressed with how the event went."

Both Jessica and Myles revealed their mums had urged them to enter the competition.

Myles said: "Since the Face of Plymouth started, my mum was always saying, 'When you're 18, you should enter it'.

"I wasn't really planning on it, but I was in Drake Circus and a modelling scout grabbed me and said I had to do it.

"My mum's really pleased, and to be honest, I didn't expect what it was going to be. I certainly didn't expect to gain friends."

Jessica agreed, admitting the 16 finalists had become firm friends in recent weeks.

She said: "In many ways, you wanted everyone to win. The whole experience has been fantastic."

While both winners said they were looking forward to having a professional portfolio created with The Herald's photographer John Allen, Jessica revealed she was most excited about modelling outfits.

She said: "Prudence Gowns has some amazing dresses and I'm really excited about trying them all on!"