TEENAGE beauty Katy Turner is hoping to fly the flag for the region by clinching the title of Miss England.

Already crowned as Miss Newcastle, 18-year-old Katy, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is setting her sights on representing the country in Miss World in November.

But this could all be just a dream if Katy fails to find a corporate sponsor to fund her trip to London to take part in the Miss England contest in September.

To enter the contest, Katy needs a single sponsorship of £2,000. The sponsor will receive four free tickets to the contest, accommodation, and four photograph shoots with her.

Katy's mother, Kay, said she would be devastated if she was unable to enter the contest.

She said: "She has done so well to get this far and it would be very disappointing if she had to withdraw her bid because she couldn't find a sponsor.

"If we could get a sponsor, it might mean that Katy can go on to be part of Miss World, which would be absolutely amazing."

There will be only 20 contestants battling for the Miss England crown at the final, which will be held at the Cafe Royal, in London.

The final will be televised on Channel 5, on September 16. Anyone interested in sponsoring Katy can contact reporter Richard Barker at The Northern Echo on (01325) 505022.