PREPARATIONS are well under way for this year's Miss York competition, which will raise money for our Guardian Angels Appeal.

Scores of entries are pouring in for the second annual contest, which is being supported by the Evening Press.

Organiser Vivienne Lee said: "We've received lots of entries from students taking serious degrees. Last year's competitors included a three-day eventer and a special constable, who is re-entering this year as a police woman.

"Lots of girls entered last year and although they didn't win, they enjoyed the experience so much they want to enter it again."

It is also a showcase for local talent. Last year York College designed outfits for the contestants. This year students will be creating the programme.

The girls will bring their own outfits and an evening gown - but the swimwear sections of former beauty pageants are long gone.

There is also a talent element - in which the young women have just 90 seconds to show off one of their skills.

Vivienne insists attitude, manners and intelligence is as important as appearance, as the winner must act as an ambassador for the city in her year of office, attending functions and charity events.

All competitors are given sponsorship forms to raise money for the Evening Press Guardian Angels Appeal, which aims to build a high dependency children's unit at York Hospital. A separate award will be given to whoever raises the most cash, even if they do not reach the final, at the Grand Opera House on June 16.

It will be a busy summer for whoever wins the Miss York crown. She will go through to the Miss England final on July 13 and 14 and possibly the Miss World competition in September.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, March 30, 2006