MISS York has been given an official deputy, meaning two local girls will be representing the area in the Miss England contest.

Miss York 2009 was won by Helen Lawal, but she is currently having to concentrate on her studies as a fourth year medical student and is unable to carry out her official duties until her exams have finished.

So the Miss England office and regional organisers, Events Connect, have appointed an official deputy and because of her role she will also go forward to the Miss England competition, the only British pageant that sends its winner to Miss World.

Initially, the organisers approached the first runner-up, Laura Ehima, but she also was unable to commit to the workload associated with Miss York because of her full-time job and chartered accountant course.

So Miss York organiser Vivienne Lee asked the third-placed contestant, 21-year-old Beth Ridley.

Beth, who went to Lady Lumley’s School and lives in Old Malton, is currently completing her animal science course at Leeds University and was only too pleased to be asked.

She said: “I was a bit surprised really, but I’m looking forward to representing the area and the Miss England semi-finals will be a good experience.”

Beth has been named Miss Pickering for the semi-finals of Miss England on June 8 at Champney’s Resort in Ashby-De-La-Zouch.

Vivienne said: “Helen will be preparing to be a doctor next year and has to be allowed to concentrate on her studies. She will also be preparing for her appearance in Miss England on July 20.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Beth to not only deputise for Helen, but she is now invited to take part in the semi-finals of Miss England.

“It is something the runners-up just don’t believe could happen. It has.”

She said North Yorkshire had a good record in the Miss England competition – a previous winner is former Miss York Georgia Horsley – so the more women representing the area the better.