TWO regional beauty queens have their eye on a bigger title this weekend.

Miss Durham, Natalie Smith, and Miss Newcastle, Sonia Hassanien, will line up with 37 other finalists for the Miss England beauty contest in Bournemouth tomorrow night.

Natalie, from Chester-le-Street, earned her place by winning the inaugural Miss Durham contest, held at Sedgefield Racecourse in May.

The 19-year-old was crowned the winner after a unanimous decision from the judges. She said: "I'm still gobsmacked to this day. I wasn't expecting it and it was an utter shock. I just couldn't believe it because there were loads of pretty girls who had been there and done it before."

She has two jobs, working for the civil service in Washington, Wearside, by day and at the Chicago Rock Caf in Chester-le-Street at night, where she has received a lot of attention.

Beauty therapist Sonia Hassanien, 20, is Miss Newcastle, despite being born and raised in Sunderland.

Sonia, of Washington, owns La Mirage health and beauty spa, in Durham City, and has been preparing for the contest while running her business. She said: "It would be like a dream come true if I won. It would mean so much to represent the county."

She is thinking of studying for a degree but cannot decide between beauty therapy courses and business management. The winner will go on to represent the country at the Miss World competition in China.

To vote for Miss Newcastle, text VOTE SONIA HASSANIEN to 81444 or for Miss Durham to win the competition, text VOTE NATALIE SMITH to the same number.

Messages cost 50p.