BEAUTIFUL and talented young women from across the city came together for the semi-finals of this year's Miss York competition.

Nervous contestants, dressed in their best outfits, bravely faced an X-factor style interview by a panel of judges.

The 17 to 24-year-olds described their careers, hobbies and experience, and gave reasons for wanting to represent the city.

Each of the contestants was also photographed to show they were comfortable in front of a camera.

After a long evening of discussion by judges at the Royal York Hotel, 30 young women were chosen for the next stage of the competition, which supports our Guardian Angels Appeal.

Taking part was Rachel Smith, whose grandmother was the first Miss York in 1955, when she was then named Maureen Joy.

Now readers will have their chance to choose their favourite, by taking part in a text vote which will be launched in The Press this week.

Organiser Vivienne Lee, of Events Connect, said: "The contestants all did very well and I'm sure they will win a lot of support in this final stage of the competition."

Judges at the semi-final included a representative of The Press, couture milliner Woody Whittick of She's All That, hypnotherapist Susan Dunlop, and Collette Parker, who runs another heat of the Miss England competition.

The final is being held at the Grand Opera House, York, on June 16. The winner goes forward to the Miss England competition on July 13 and 14 in Leicester.

Updated: 10:10 Monday, May 22, 2006