LOOKING good can take you a long way - as Becky Hutton discovered when she was invited to China to take part in a beauty competition.

The 19-year-old Hartlepool girl will join models from all over the world for the 2005 Miss Tourism Queen competition next month.

Becky took part in Miss England two years ago and was runner-up in last year's Miss Durham beauty contest. It was the organisers of the Miss England competition that asked Becky to take part in the Miss Tourism Queen competition, representing Scotland. Becky is of Scottish descent.

She said: "I got a phone call a few weeks ago asking me to take part in the competition.

"I've never been to China but I think it will be amazing. I'm pinching myself, really."

She has been provided with free evening gowns and day dresses by Middlesbrough fashion store Psyche.

She said: "As part of the contest, I have to have a talent. I think I'm going to sing a song, which I haven't done for years and I'm a bit embarrassed about it.

"But it's a small price to pay."