York Hospital was treated to an unexpected dose of glamour when six Miss York contenders dropped into the children's ward.

The competition, sponsored by The Press, is raising money for our Guardian Angels appeal to build a high-dependency children's unit at the hospital.

The winner can look forward to a host of prizes, including a £500 portfolio of pictures, a portrait and a year's free hairdressing.

Vivienne Lee, Miss York organiser, who was with the group yesterday, believed it was important for the contestants to visit the hospital.

She said: "They needed to see what they are raising funds for.

"I think the kids enjoyed seeing the girls. Some are doing community events, one is doing a parachute jump and another is raffling a painting to raise money."

Contestant, Natalie Wilde, 19, of Wigginton, York, said: "It was brilliant. I am very into helping children. I used to work on the maternity ward here, so it was good to see all the kids.

"I still can't make up my mind how I will raise the money. But I want to do something original."

Another contender, Laura Rafferty, 21, of Fulford, said: "I am an artist and I have done an oil painting of Carl Hester on Escapado, which I am going to raffle."

Mr Hester is an equestrian athlete who secured the highest place for Britain in dressage at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"If that doesn't work, I might get some girlfriends together and go into pubs wearing short skirts and ask for money," she said.

"I like a challenge and I like competitions. It is all good fun."

Naomi Smith, 18, of Copmanthorpe, is starting her fundraising for the Guardian Angels appeal with a guess the name competition for a giant, pink fluffy rabbit at a street fair in her village on Monday.

"This is all really exciting. I have never done anything like this before."

University of York student Evita Kuzma, 20, who is originally from Latvia, said: "I have never been to York Hospital before so it is good to visit and see what we will be raising money for."

The semi-finals take place on May 19 at the Royal York Hotel. The Miss York winner will go on to represent the city in the Miss England contest. The closing date for entries is May 15.

Updated: 09:33 Saturday, April 29, 2006