Young women from Bury have until the end of the month to enter a beauty competition that could lead to them starring in Miss England.

The Miss Manchester contest, which is open to women aged 17 to 26, is welcoming entrants until Sunday, July 31.

This year, the event will be run as a photographic regional final, with the winner receiving direct entry into the Miss England Finals.

All selected contestants will be invited to a makeover and photo shoot at Flawless Photography studios in Lever Street in Manchester to have an entry picture taken and a full photo shoot in various outfits.

Among the entrants for Miss Manchester so far, are horse coach Annalise, chemistry student Erin, violinist Irram.

Another entrant Jess, who is a rocket scientist, who claims “you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to enter a beauty contest” and Anita, who despite recently losing both her parents, has excelled academically at Manchester University.

Miss England is owned by the Miss World Organization, and the winner of Miss England automatically qualifies for the Miss World Finals later in the year.

Julia Morley, who is the CEO of Miss World, was the recipient of the Queens Award for the Platinum Jubilee for her work in beauty and charity causes.

Entry to the Miss Manchester contest is free – simply go to the website at www.missengland.info to apply.