Scandalous sexual photos of Miss France Valerie Bergue have caused a shock in Europe and with pageant officials but they have backed down and decided to let Miss France keep her crown and title.

Valerie Begue won her title three weeks ago. Then, some old glamour pictures were published, prompting calls for her sacking for contravening the contest’s strict rules on provocative images.

But the Miss France organisers have now backed down.

“I’m so happy to keep my crown,” said Valerie. “I thank you, Madame de Fontenay. I thank you and all those who have supported me.”

I think the norm is for pageant girls to have suggestive past photographs according to pageant stories from the last two years.