A CONTESTANT vying for the Miss York 2006 crown hopes to raise £1,000 for the Guardian Angels appeal by donating one of her paintings for a raffle.

Laura Rafferty is one of the entrants in the second annual contest, which is being supported by the Evening Press.

All competitors have been challenged to raise sponsorship for the Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal, which aims to fund the building of a high-dependency children's unit at York Hospital.

An award will go to the competitor who raises the most cash, even if she does not reach the final, at the Grand Opera House on June 16.

Laura has donated an oil painting measuring three feet by four feet of equestrian athlete Carl Hester on Escapado, who secured the highest place for Britain in dressage at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The riding enthusiast, who hopes to study equine management and equitation at Askham Bryan or Bishop Burton College from September, said: "They were the golden combination in the horse world. I thought if any picture would go in my specialist field it would be a painting of them.

"I would like to raise £1,000. I have other ideas if this doesn't take off," said Laura, who has done painting commissions for friends and family.

Raffle tickets, costing £2 each, will be drawn on June 1.

The 21-year-old, from Fishergate, York, who is one of the contestants going through to the semi-finals, said: "I entered Miss York because I enjoy doing competitions - I like to see if I am good enough and to push myself. My partner said I should have a go because I haven't got anything to lose, and it is exciting."

Laura, who suffered a bout of meningitis three years ago, said: "It left me completely deaf in my left ear and unable to walk because I had no balance.

"I had a lot of physiotherapy and had to learn to walk and ride again. It just makes me more determined."

For further details or raffle tickets, phone Laura on 0776 633 0477 or send a self-addressed envelope for tickets to 7a Melbourne Street, Fishergate, York, YO10 5AQ.

Whoever takes over the crown from Miss York 2005, Georgia Horsley, will go through to the Miss England final on July 13 and 14, the winner of which will be entered for the Miss World competition in September.

Miss York 2006 will also act as an ambassador for York in her year of office, attending functions and charity events.