A NORTH-EAST woman will fly the flag for the region when she competes in the Miss England contest next month.

Insurance worker Carrianne Green aims to do the region proud when she contests the nation's biggest beauty and talent pageant in Liverpool on September 2 and 3.

The 20-year-old, from Darlington, won this year's Miss Durham contest at Sedgefield Racecourse in May, and is looking forward to her trip to Liverpool Olympia, where 36 women will compete for the title.

It is only the second time a Miss Durham winner has entered the national contest. If she wins, she will go on to the Miss World final in China later this year.

She said: "I only entered Miss Durham for a bit of a laugh, but I really enjoyed the evening and was delighted to win.

"I am really looking forward to the Miss England final, and although it would be fantastic if I won, I do realise that there are lots of beautiful girls competing, but I am just glad to be representing Durham in the show."

To win the contest, which will be televised, she will have to convince the judges she has what it takes to represent England in one of the most watched TV shows in the world.

To support her, text "Vote Durham" to 81444.