Miss Venezuela has taken the Miss World title during a triumphant homecoming for the event in London.

Leading a field of 113 contestants from around the globe, Miss Venezuela – real name Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares - won in front of a TV audience of one billion people.

Runners up Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Philippines congratulated her as she took the crown at a gala event at Earls Court, London.

“Miss World is a position of tremendous responsibility,” Miss Venezuela said as she picked up the crown, “I am a woman of sensibility and compassion and I will bring these qualities to the job.”

Having led through the first six rounds of voting – which saw contestants’ sporting acumen tested alongside more traditional swimsuit and modelling rounds – Miss Venezuela was a popular winner.

Pop sensation Blue serenaded the crowd – which included guests of honour Bruce and Wilnelia Forsyth - with their cover of Elton John hit Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word during the show.

Guests of honour at the ceremony included Jamaica Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, left, John Lynch, Director Jamaica Tourist Board, centre, and World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke

Sixty Years of Success

Miss World is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, with chief executive Julia Morley (wife of founder Eric Morley) leading the celebrations.

Before announcing the winner Ms Morley was presented with a glowing tribute by Chief Mandela, grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Mandela praised the charity work carried out by Beauty with a Purpose, the philanthropic arm of the Miss World organisation.

Miss Ghana and Miss Indonesia were both rewarded for their charitable work during the show, claiming the Beauty with a Purpose crown.

Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director of Mauritius Tourism, left, was at the Earls Court ceremony to cheer on Miss Mauritius

Looking Forward

Hosts Jason Cook and Angela Chow revealed during the show – which was performed in front of a sell out crowd of 2,000 – Miss World 2012 will take place in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.