YORK women are being sought for the inaugural Miss North Yorkshire competition.

The contest, which is being run in association with Candlelighters, Yorkshire's children's cancer charity, has its grand final at Riverside Farm, Skelton, near York on July 11.

Competition director, Alexandra Devine, 25, said: "We are really excited to find our first Miss North Yorkshire winner.

"There are a lot of great ladies in York and we hope to receive a lot of applications from women in the area, especially as the live final will be held in the York area.

"The competition aims to find the region's next top model and role model."

Fifteen women will win through to the final of what is billed as a "modernised modelling competition".

"There is no swimsuit round and the competition is open to women aged 16 to 29," said Ms Devine.

"They can have children and be married."

The July 11 final will be a catwalk event.

It will include a 'Go Green Fashion' round where finalists are challenged to create an outfit from recycled materials to promote environmental awareness and an interview round.

Supporting Candlelighters will also be key to success, with the finalists also challenged to raising funds for the charity.

The greatest fundraiser will win the 'Miss Catwalk for a Cause' award and be fast-tracked through to the top seven on the night.

On offer to the winner is a £5,000 prize package including a modelling portfolio from Flawless Photography and a website.

She will also go on to represent North Yorkshire at the upcoming National Top Model of England and Miss Multiverse UK competitions later this year.

The competition is free to enter via www.missnorthyorkshire.co.uk where you can apply with photos of yourself.