IT WAS a regular event on the calendar of Southampton and a much coveted title - Miss Echo.

The winner on November 29, 1978, was Karen Robinson who worked at secretarial studies at Southampton Technical College. She was presented with the sash by the outgoing Miss Echo, Vanessa Maitland.

For Karen it was first time lucky in a beauty contest. “My husband, Peter entered the picture for me. He was very confident but I didn’t think I had a chance,” she said.

As winner she carried off a cheque for £100 plus an offer of 12 moths of free hair care from Raymonds salon.

Fareham photographer Peter Hayward presented Karen with a portrait style photograph and she an invitation to a course at Angela’s Model Agency in Fareham.

Twenty-year-old Donna Soffe, of Totton, placed second with a cheque for £50 and a free hairdo from Raymonds.

Hilary Chandler, also of Totton, came third, She was given a cheque for £25 and a free Raymonds hairdo.

The pictures above show the contestants from that year's Miss Echo competition.