THE 2015 Miss York & District contest - due to take place in Scarborough this weekend - has been postponed after its organiser fell ill.

Diane Yalezo had been planning to stage the competition, along with a Miss Scarborough contest, at the Royal Hotel on Sunday with a double crowning.

But after undergoing a serious kidney operation, she has had to put them both back until later in the year, when a Miss York & District 2015/16 and the equivalent title for Scarborough will be created.

The postponement means that York will not have an entry in this year's Miss England contest but will enter the 2016 event.

Mrs Yalezo said: "It's unfortunate that the final has had to be put on hold until later in the year, but my health comes first.

"I have had one operation but need another two over the next few weeks, so it just wasn't possible to put my heart and soul into the events at this present time. I have had to admit I'm just not well enough.

"The competitions will definitely take place later in the year where the winner will be crowned Miss York & District 2015/16 and will now enter the Miss England final in summer 2016. This, in a way, is better for the winner, as it gives her a lot longer to prepare for Miss England."

She added that she would like to thank everyone for their get well wishes.

Last year’s Miss York and District title was won by Ellie Mae Potter, who beat off competition from ten other hopefuls from across the area during a nail-biting finale at the city’s Hilton Hotel.

The 18-year-old performing arts student, who was born in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, but had moved to live with family near York city centre, said afterwards she was completely overwhelmed when she heard she had won.