A PAGEANT is to be held to choose a town's beauty queen.

The Miss York competition returned in May after a break of almost 20 years. It was won by Georgia Horsley, who went on to reach the final 12 in the Miss England competition.

Women aged between 17 and 24 and living within a 30-mile radius of York are being invited to enter the 2006 Miss York contest.

Georgia said: "I'm having a great time as Miss York, with the best so far taking part in Miss England. So I would say to anyone: 'Have a go'."

Miss York 2006 will be crowned on Friday, June 16, at The Grand Opera House, York. She will win a number of prizes and qualify for the finals of Miss England.

Competition organiser Vivienne Lee said: "Miss York created a lot of interest from young women in and around the city from all walks of life.

"Georgia has been a worthy representative for York and still has lots of exciting projects coming up.

"There are also many opportunities for local businesses to sponsor the event, which will be raising funds for a local charity."

For more details, go to www.eventsconnect.co.uk