By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 11:35, Wednesday, 16 May 2012

The search for Miss Cumbria 2012 gets underway this weekend as modelling scouts take to the streets.

Cara Forrester

The Miss England competition returns to the county on Saturday – and organisers are inviting Cumbria’s most glamorous girls to their stand in the Lanes shopping centre for a chance to clinch the crown.

As well as looking for potential Miss Cumbria winners, they will also be promoting the new Junior Miss Cumbria contest, for those aged 13 to 16.

Organiser and scout Kerry Capoverde said: “We’ve had a great response to the Miss Cumbria event in the past. This year we wanted to put on an even bigger event and give even more girls the opportunity to be involved.

“We’re delighted to have The Lanes involved too. It means we can discover even more fabulous girls and make the show even more spectacular.

“We’ve had a great response for the Miss Cumbria competition and are confident that the next Miss England could be hiding in the crowds.

“We’re on a mission to take a look for ourselves and make sure none of the region’s most beautiful ladies have slipped through the net.”

The scouts will be at The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle from 9.30am until 4.30pm on the lookout for prospective candidates.

“The junior category not only gives 13 to 16 year olds the opportunity to take part in a fashion show but also learn more about charity work and volunteering – it’s a real character building experience,” added Kerry.

The current Miss Cumbria Cara Forrester is last year’s winner, going on to represent the county at the Miss England finals in Birmingham.

The 18-year-old Caldew School student said being involved was brilliant fun.

“I’d urge girls from across Cumbria to get dressed up and visit the stand. Taking part was such an amazing experience for me and I know this year will be even better.

“Participating in Miss England is such a good experience and something you will never forget. People think it’s just girls strutting around but it’s not. My A-levels come first but I’ve also been involved in lots of events, such as Cumberland County Show, charity events and lots of fashion shows at House of Fraser.”

The event aims to offer opportunities to girls from any background with little or no modelling experience.

Participants must be aged between 13 and 16 or 17 and 24, and must never have been married or have children.

Girls that can’t get to the event on Saturday can still apply online at www.miss-cumbria.co.uk.

First published at 11:27, Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk