STUNNING student Samantha Hearn is three times a lady after scooping the female title of The Wave's Model For The Millennium 2001 last week.

Samantha, 26, from Blackpool, sashayed her way to the top spot, along with male winner Paul Coombes, at a finale of the boy and girl beauty contest on Friday night when nine girls and eight boys where vying for the crowns.

Top Blackpool bar NTK hosted the event with Wave DJ Roy Lynch on the microphone and plenty of friends in the crowd.

Samantha, a media make-up student from Blackpool and The Fylde College, said: "It was a total shock to win but I'm very excited. This is what I've wanted to do since I was 13!

"This is the third time I've been in the contest, and I've even been in the final before, so I never expected to be called out.

"Someone suggested that I entered and I'm so glad they did!"

Paul, 20, has already worked for a Manchester agency and has his feet firmly on the ground when it comes to his future.

"You can't rely on looks to earn you money," said the marketing degree student who comes from South Shore. "How many top male models can you name?

"But I'm really pleased to win. I was so sure I hadn't won that I was just having a beer and they had to come and get me."

Samantha and Paul each bagged an interview at top agency Models One, in London, a £500 photo portfolio at Studio D, tickets for the Grand Theatre, a makeover at Saks hair salon, VIP membership to NTK, a year's pass to Reform Health Studio and £100-worth of fashion from Huckleberry's and Van De Mark respectively.

The Wave's Roy Lynch said of the popular contest: "Roll on next year! It was a great night with an amazing atmosphere and all the contestants were superb. We'd like to thank NTK, Harp Irish and all our sponsors for making it a huge success.

"We had more than 200 entries and, hopefully, next year we'll continue with bigger and better things."

Mick Sugden, NTK manager, said: "We were delighted to be asked to host the Model For The Millennium 2001. It seems only right the gold-winning pub of the year should hold such an event.

"And don't forget NTK is celebrating its first birthday on April 19 and everyone's invited!"

WINNERS! Samantha and Paul with (centre) NTK manager Mick Sugden