SCANTILY-clad beauties will be taking to the stage for the first ever Miss Worcestershire competition this year.

The competition could see a Worcestershire stunner hailed Miss England or even Miss World if they are successful in the county heat to be crowned Miss Worcestershire 2005.

Ironically, the revival of the beauty pageant, so popular in the 1970s, will coincide with another more modern award - Worcestershire Woman of the Year.

One competition will see scantily-clad women parading the stage in clubbing wear and evening gowns, being judged on their looks. The other will judge women on their courage and achievements in the work place and in their community.

More than 100 girls have already signed up to take part in the Miss Worcestershire 2005 event, which will have heats taking place in Worcester, Droitwich and Bromsgrove.

The winner will go forward to Miss England, and should she succeed there, go on to Miss World.

Viv Hudson, Worcestershire Woman of the Year 2003, said she was not threatened by the new Miss Worcestershire title.

"They are completely different awards," said Mrs Hudson, who set up her own hotel company six years ago.

"I would not win a beauty contest and I don't suppose they would win a business award. Anything which puts Worcestershire on the map is a good thing so good luck to them."

The organiser of Miss Worcestershire Paul Da Silva, of Bromsgrove-based sales and advertising company BARMi, insisted the event was different to the old-style beauty pageants.

"To bring the competition up to date, we have dispensed with the swimwear section. There will now be two rounds to the evening - nightclub wear and evening wear," he said.

"It's more like a fashion show really, and the girls get pampered for the day. Girls from Worcestershire should get the chance to take part in Miss England.

"I am a Redditch lad originally and I would love to see the Miss World title go to a Worcestershire girl."

Each heat will comprise of singers and dancers as well as the main event. The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, June 4, at Bank House Hotel, Bransford.

The Worcestershire Woman of the Year 2005 will be announced on Wednesday, June 29.

For more information on Miss Worcestershire 2005 contact Paul Da Silva on 01527 558200 or visit www.barmi.co.uk

n What do you think? We want to hear your views, so write to: letters@thisisworcester.co.uk or Letters' Page, Worcester Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX.