FORGET Big Brother - it's time to prepare your vote for MS York.

Residents are being urged to throw their support behind Norton teenager Georgia Horsley in her quest to be crowned Miss England at a lavish ceremony in Liverpool.

The 18-year-old beat off stiff competition from 20 glamorous hopefuls to be named MS York at a contest held at York Racecourse back in May.

She has already undertaken a number of public duties since being crowned queen of the city - and she was one of only two regional representatives in the Miss England contest to brave going to London to watch beauties compete in the capital's finals.

Miss England spokeswoman Vivienne Lee said finalists from across the country were invited to watch the Greater London final last month - but only two accepted. She said some of those invited had been on holiday and unable to come, but others had been "uncomfortable" about travelling to the city in the wake of July's horror bomb attacks in the capital.

Vivienne said: "Georgia had no hesitation in the slightest. I think it says something for people who are prepared to carry on doing things. It wasn't very nice though. There was a strange quietness when you saw people going into the underground, rather than the usual hustle and bustle."

The other regional finalist who attended the London contest, held in Caf de Paris, was Miss Bolton winner Peace Blessing Oybio.

Georgia, who works at No 1 health and beauty salon in Malton, said: "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. You only live once. If you're going to spend your whole life worrying - what's the point?"

Georgia will now be among 36 finalists who will battle it out for the Miss England title on September 2 and 3.

If she wins, she will go on to compete for the ultimate accolade - Miss World.

The finalist who receives the most public text votes will be fast-tracked to the final 12.

This public vote is open until September 3.

To vote for Georgia: text VOTE followed by YORK or GEORGIA to 81444.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, August 10, 2005