Miss Hopeful

University of York student Clare Elizabeth Reed is one of several bright young hopefuls who hope to succeed Georgia Horsley as the city's queen of glamour.

Clare, who is 20 and from Osbaldwick, is studying for a degree in environment, economics and ecology, and lists Latin American and ballroom dancing, gospel singing and performing street dance as just some of her hobbies.

She has also carried out voluntary work at an orphanage in Nepal and taken part in a reforestation project in Ecuador. She is also a part-time care worker at Bootham Park Hospital.

She said: "I'm one of those people who believe in getting as much life experience as possible".

"I like to challenge myself and see how far I can get with things.

"I saw last year's winner, Georgia Horsley, in the paper last year and thought it looked very appealing."

Miss York 2006 will raise funds for the Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal with every contestant being invited to take part in the Miss Charity award. This will be presented at the final with a prize of a TV presenters' course in London.

Organiser Vivienne Lee, of Events Connect, said: "Clare's application just proves how varied entrants are for the competition.

"We've had a very good response so far, and there will be heats taking place in venues such as The Gallery Nightclub from February.

"The event will be much bigger than last year. The Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal is a very worthwhile cause."

The current Miss York, Georgia Horsley, is enjoying a busy year and will hand her title over on Friday, June 16 at The Grand Opera House, York as part of a glamorous evening of entertainment. It will include a singing performance by Hollyoaks star Lee Otway, who recently competed in the Soapstar Superstars TV contest. If you are 17 to 24 and live or study within a 50-mile radius of York, you could be eligible.

For details of how to enter, visit the Miss York website at www.eventsconnect.co.uk

Updated: 10:33 Monday, January 16, 2006