Bookies' favourite Georgia Horsley is working hard to pull off a "Liver Bird" victory at a prestigious beauty contest next Saturday.

The winner of MS York has been tipped to carry off the Miss England title in next week's competition in Liverpool, with its two famous Liver Bird landmarks on the city's waterfront.

On Saturday, the 18-year-old spent hours being coached in vital deportment lessons to give her the edge over dozens of rival finalists who will be competing for the top prize.

How to walk down a catwalk with style and poise, how to sit gracefully, how to pose for photographs - these were all important lessons for the budding model to learn before she appears before the critical eye of the Miss England judges next week.

"Walking is something you don't even think about, but there's so much more to walking down a catwalk. It's like learning to drive for the first time," said Georgia, dressed in an elegant long black dress designed by York College students - which she intends to wear for part of next week's contest.

The gruelling two-day competition will involve a number of different tests, including a talent contest in which the glamorous girls will have only a minute-and-a-half to show off a skill of their choice.

Georgia, who recently finished an A-level in art at Malton College, plans to show off some of her artworks - including floral pictures inspired by American artist Georgia O'Keefe - as well as performing a live origami demonstration.

She will also have to strut her stuff on the catwalk in a red silk evening dress made by Thimbelina, of Walmgate, York, and model Miss England-branded sportswear.

Many people in and around York have placed bets on Georgia to win the tough competition, and she has been installed as the favourite by one major bookmaker.

"I'm in shock that so many people must have bet on me to win," said the surprised teenager. "I just didn't expect it. I think there'll be a lot of disappointed people in the betting world if I don't win. Every girl is in with a chance of winning, otherwise they wouldn't have been picked to go. It just depends on what they are looking for.

"If I'm right on the day, then I'm right.

"It would be absolutely amazing if I did win."

Georgia hopes to go into a career as a model, but also plans to take on a two-year beauty therapy course at York College, which will provide a basis for a future as a make-up artist.

The Miss England contest is being held on Friday and Saturday next week.

You can vote for Georgia by texting VOTE followed by YORK, or GEORGIA HORSLEY, to 81444.

Updated: 10:00 Saturday, August 27, 2005