A NEW beauty queen has been crowned in York.

But the latest pageant winner, 85-year-old Mary Addington, does not intend to challenge MS York winner Georgia Horsley for her title, because she is proud and pleased enough to be able to call herself Miss Willow House 2005.

More than a dozen contenders vied for the title with Mary, whose prize was a bouquet of flowers and fluffy purple tiara with matching wand, which she will hand down to her successor next year - for the organisers said the event was such a success that it will become an annual fixture.

More than £500 was raised during the summer fair at Willow House residential home in Walmgate, which will help pay for outings, entertainment and gifts for the 32 residents.

Care assistant Janet Ross said: "It was going to be a Glamorous Gran competition, but then we realised not everyone was a granny.

"Some staff made all the ladies up - painted their nails, made sure they were nicely dressed and gave them the full treatment. We got a really good turn-out."

The models were invited to parade in front of the judges and spectators in the dining room, which provided the stage for the event.

Cawood-born Mary said: "I really enjoyed myself. When Janet called my name out I was really surprised as I never thought I would win. It was a lovely day and everyone looked beautiful. It is a lovely tiara - I wore it all day and will keep it until next year."

Beattie Ripon, 81, from Acomb, came second ahead of Muriel Bracewell in third place. The line-up in the Miss Willow house competition

Updated: 10:27 Tuesday, August 09, 2005