TODAY we are launching our search for a very special woman to become the new face of Worcestershire.

The new Worcestershire Rose competition is open to women aged 17 to 40 and offers the opportunity to become an ambassador for your county.

In conjunction with Worcester Racecourse and hairdresser Umberto Giannini, we are looking for someone who can represent the county at a wide variety of local events.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of local celebrities during a special family day at the racecourse on Sunday, May 13.

Entrants must be willing and available to give up their time to represent Worcestershire at a range of charity, sport, social and local business events.

In return, they will receive some top prizes and hold the title for a year.

Peter John, editor of the Worcester News, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to become actively involved in the promotion of Worcestershire.

"It couldn’t be a better year to launch this competition.

“With the Olympic flame passing through our county and celebrations planned to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it’s bound to be a busy year for whoever is crowned Worcestershire Rose.

“We look forward to seeing the winner at lots of major events in Worcestershire.”

To enter, simply fill in the coupon linked at the end of this article and post it back to us – along with a head and shoulders photograph and a full-length photograph – by Monday, March 5.

Alternatively, e-mail rose@worcester-racecourse.co.uk

Rules

• Contestants must be aged 17 to 40.

• No entrant can have posed topless for photographs previously.

• Entrants must live at an address with a postcode beginning WR.

• All entrants must send in a head and shoulders picture and full-length picture and must ensure that the Worcester News has permission from the copyright holder to use it.

• The winner needs to be available to attend a number of charity events in Worcester throughout the year.

• worcestershire_rose_application.pdf