Family and friends of the newly crowned Miss World have denied rumours that she won the crown because her father is the singer Chris de Burgh.

De Burgh, who is among others known for the 1986 hit song Lady in Red, on Monday travelled in his private jet with his wife, Diane and daughter, Rosanna Davison, 19, from London to their hometown Dublin in Ireland.

Rosanna, a journalism student, was photographed after the crowning on Saturday evening smiling broadly and with her arms around her father.

Reports in several newspapers suggested that De Burgh's personal ties with some of the judges tipped the scales in his daughter's favour.

Sue Morley, Rosanna's aunt and godmother, told The Daily Telegraph that anyone looking at her could see that she is a beautiful, gorgeous girl.

"I don't know how the judging works, but I'm sure she won because she deserved it."

Andrea Roche, Miss Ireland in 1998 and one of the organisers of this year's Miss Ireland competition, said Rosanna can't help who her father is.

"She stood out. She's the best looking, elegant, tall and eloquent."

A spokesperson for the Miss World competition denied the rigging allegations.

De Burgh said Rosanna has worked hard. "We feel blessed as a family."

(Agencies via Xinhua  December 10, 2003)