Search is on for Banbridge beauties

Judges will select two of the 24 finalists who will go forward to compete at the black tie final event in The Europa Hotel on May 14 .

Event organiser Alison Campbell is looking for entrants aged between 17 and 24 to take over the crown from current Miss Northern Ireland Finola Guinnane.

This once in a lifetime opportunity will see one lucky girl compete in the Miss World finals in China this coming August. For that reason, the organisers and judging panel alike are looking for something more than just a pretty face.

“We need someone who has that extra special quality, the ‘je ne sais quois’ factor, as it takes more than good looks to win Miss Northern Ireland”, confirmed Alison.

Both Open + Direct Insurance; the new title sponsors and The Outlet; the official fashion sponsor again this year, are very excited to continue to be associated with such a prestigious competition.

The prize not only includes the title of Miss Northern Ireland 2012, and the all-expenses paid trip to Miss World in China, but a car from Downey’s sponsored by Open + Direct, a wardrobe of outfits for Miss World from Beverly Hills in Belfast and a front cover photoshoot with IN! Magazine. Beauty treats galore from Michele International, Beauty Culture, a membership at The Culloden Spa, and designer glasses from Jonathan Keys will all keep her looking fabulous for her year-long contract with the Alison Campbell Modelling Agency.

Current title holder Finola said, “I have had the most amazing experience so far this year. I’ve enjoyed so many different and varied modelling assignments which have jam packed my portfolio, but I’ve also done so many things I would never ever have had the opportunity to do before such as meeting girls from all over the globe as well as getting involved with several charity challenges and fundraisers right here in Northern Ireland.”

To enter, girls should send a photograph with their name and address to the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland Contest, 381 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 5DT. Competition rules can be checked out on the Miss NI website www.missnorthernireland.co.uk or on Facebook at Miss Northern Ireland Contest. The official website also outlines full details of the competition heats and the full range of prizes available.