Norfolk's own Caroline Flack won the Strictly Come Dancing crown after a perfect performance under pressure.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Caroline Flack.Caroline Flack. (Image: Archant)

Caroline was the first ever Strictly contestant to score 120 out of 120 in the three dances on finals night, and seized victory thanks to the public vote.

She and her partner Pasha Kovalev scored a perfect 40 in the final dance, after Mark Wright and Karen Hauer were eliminated.

After winning, she said: 'It's the best feeling in the world and has been the best experience of my life.'

Hard-to-please judge Craig Revell-Horwood said Caroline's Charleston had 'melted his heart', while the other judges gushed about her remarkable efforts.

Earlier, pop star Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton scored 39 out of 40, with just Craig giving the pair a nine.

Pop star Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff also scored maximum marks for their final dance as the last three couples matched each other step for step.

Thousands of Norfolk viewers were among those rooting for Thetford-born Caroline, who was the pre-show bookies' favourite.

Mum Christine Flack, who lives in East Harling and works for Archant Norfolk, was in London to watch the final.

Mrs Flack thanked Norfolk for getting behind Caroline's dancing exploits. She said: 'People in the village have been saying to me they didn't realise she was my daughter.

'Although she's done things like [Saturday morning children's show] TMi before, the thing with Strictly is that everyone watches it. It's just so popular.'