GIBRALTAR: The new Miss World, Kaiane Aldorino, was given a rapturous welcome on return to the Rock today. Several thousands people waving the red and white Gibraltar flag jam-packed the John Mackintosh square.

“I am thrilled,” she told the crowd from a balcony in the City Hall.

“I knew it would be a big welcome, but not that big,” she said.

Earlier, when driven through the main street to cheering crowds, she felt “on top of the world.”

A spokesman for the Miss World organisation, in Gibraltar for Kaiane’s homecoming, said: “We’ve never had a welcome like Gibraltar’s. It’s the most special home-coming ever.”

The reigning Miss World flew to Gibraltar on a private jet chartered by the Gibraltar Government. Their non-essential employees were allowed to leave early to take part in the celebrations. A fireworks display was organised for the late evening.