THE search is on to find the next young County Durham woman who could eventually be crowned Miss World.

Sedgefield Racecourse, in County Durham, will host the fourth Miss Durham beauty pageant, on Wednesday, which serves as a qualifier for next month's Miss England.

Twenty of the county's young women will parade in clothes fitting for a day at the races, evening wear and a retro look in an attempt to win the crown from last year's beauty queen Bex Clarke, from Bolam, near Darlington.

The winner of the competition will gain automatic entry to Miss England, which is a qualifier for Miss World.

The racecourse's general manager, Jill Williamson, said: "Gone are the days when beauty contests were about swimsuits and baton twirling. Miss Durham will prove herself to have more than just good looks.

"She will also be intelligent, charming, graceful and confident and be a kind, caring person, able to communicate with people from all walks of life."

Among the prizes on offer is an all expenses trip and entry to Miss England.

There are eight judges including Ms Clarke, and Miss England 2006 Eleanor Glynn. The public will also get a chance to vote by text.

Admission for Wednesday's event starts at £6 and there are six races starting at 6.20pm onwards. Visit www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk or call 01740-621925 for more details.