GIBRALTAR‘S Kaiane Aldorino claimed the title of Miss World 2009 on Saturday, defeating 111 other hopefuls at a glittering ceremony in South Africa.

”Thank you South Africa, this is the most wonderful moment of my life,” said a tearful Aldorino, whose website describes her as a 22-year-old human resources clerk who loves dancing and spending time with loved ones.

Confetti rained down the stage as Aldorino, representing a British territory at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea with a population of less than 30,000, accepted the crown.

Mexico‘s Perla Beltran came second, with South African entry Tatum Keshwar taking third place.

The African-themed gala event at a Johannesburg convention centre attracted a multi-national crowd, waving country flags and cheering wildly for their favourite contestants.

Miss India, Pooja Chopra, a hot favourite with the crowd, got eliminated in the top 16, after winning the ”beauty with a purpose” title for her charity work.

”The build up to this event has been phenomenal, the girls have had a time of their lives in South Africa,” said Chinese television presenter Angela Chow, who hosted the show.