Ivian Sarcos, a 21-year-old human resources graduate from Venezuela, was crowned Miss World 2011 at a glittering beauty pageant in London's Earls Court on Sunday (6th November 2011). However, the event was marred by a demonstration outside the venue, with a group protesting at what they called "an appalling offence against women's equality", reports Reuters.

The show, broadcast live to more than 150 countries and watched by a reported billion people, saw the bookies favourite Miss Venezuela scoop the ultimate prize. Sarcos currently works for a broadcasting company, but says she wants to work with non-governmental organisations to help children - she already has her own foundation. The graduate, one of 13 children, enjoys hobbies including volleyball, mountaineering and trekking. The protestors criticised the pageant for being outdated, but of the 122 contestants, a quarter were graduates and more than half spoke three or more languages. Sarcos will now spend a year visiting and supporting a range of global charities, supported by 'Miss World's Beauty With a Purpose Programme'.

Representing the UK, Miss England Alize Mounter and Miss Scotland Jennifer Reoch both made it to the top seven. Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Ruais, was named runner-up at the glitzy ceremony in London.