Posted online: Mar 8th, 2010

MAGHERA and Portglenone are to host heats of the North’s most prestigious beauty contest.
The search for the new 2010 Miss Northern Ireland was launched last week and local girls are to be given the chance to impress at two local heats.
Walsh’s Hotel in Maghera will host a heat on Friday, May 7, and another heat will be held in the Wild Duck in Portglenone on Saturday, May 29.
A total of 24 girls will be chosen from heats throughout the North to go through to the final at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Monday, June 21.
The winner will receive thousands of pounds worth of prizes including a brand new car for the year.
Prizes for the title holder and all finalists also include a modelling contract and a trophy supplied by Belfast Crystal.
The complete prize package for the competition is worth £40,000.
The girl chosen as Miss Northern Ireland will also win an all expenses paid, month long trip representing Northern Ireland in this year’s Miss World contest due to be held in Vietnam in November later this year.
Event organiser Alison Campbell is looking for entrants aged between 17 and 24 years from all parts of Northern Ireland to take over the crown from current Miss NI Cherie Gardiner.
“We need someone who is a good communicator and has the ability to speak well in public and of course who looks fantastic.
“The winner will need to carry out an extensive range of modelling and promotional assignments during a 12 month period and be free to travel to Vietnam for the Miss World final later this year. It takes great stamina and confidence to carry off the title.”
To enter girls should send a photograph with their name and address to the Rushmere Miss Northern Ireland Contest, 381 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 5DT.