CONTESTANTS for a new charity-supporting beauty pageant replacing Weymouth Carnival Queen are being given a chance to shine.

Applications open today, Valentine’s Day, for the Miss Weymouth contest – a search for a glamorous ambassador.

Miss Weymouth aims to breathe life into the old format of the carnival queen competition, and encourages people to enter who may have felt restricted in the past.

Winners will participate as usual in the carnival but will also act as a town ambassador throughout the year, getting involved in community projects and helping to raise money for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Women of all shapes, sizes and ages are being encouraged to enter.

The ceremony to choose the different winners of the age groups will be held at the Riviera Hotel on April 20. Tickets for this event go on sale on Monday.

Organisers have had a positive response to the contest so far, although they were prompted to change the rules following feedback so girls under 10 can no longer enter.

Weymouth Carnival Queen chairman Elysia Munday, who is organising Miss Weymouth, said: “There has been a continual positive response to Miss Weymouth, with interest pouring in from hopeful applicants, sponsors and service providers who all want to be part of this fantastic new format.

“We now have confirmed some incredible year-long prizes, generously donated by Nailed It! and Changing Grooms and have the wonderfully talented, D Dee’s Bespoke Parties on board to create a stunning setting for our live contest, which will now be held on April 20 at the Riviera Hotel.”

HOW TO ENTER

The competition has three age categories: Junior (10-13 years), Teen (14-17 years) and Senior (18+).

Alongside the main title, there are special awards for each age category – Miss Charity, Miss Personality, Miss Elegance and Miss Congeniality. Applications for Miss Weymouth go live Valentine’s Day.

Apply by visiting the Facebook page, Miss Weymouth, and using the simple application or email the name and age of the person applying to missweymouth@outlook.com for a registration pack.