The Miss England Midlands semi final is taking place at Resorts World Birmingham on Sunday 2nd June with women from across the region taking part in the one day event.

The contest includes and interview and catwalk round, along with the 'Beauty With A Purpose' fundraising round. One of the contestants taking part is Walsall girl, Courtney Willey from Coalpool. The 20-year-old student is sponsored by Richard Murill Pageant Sponsorship.

The contest is the only competition in this country which qualifies the winner for Miss World, which has a top prize of $100,000. Part of the contest involves fundraising for the nominated charity 'Papyrus', a suicide prevention charity, chosen after the current Miss England, Alisha Cowie, became an ambassador.

For the first time ever, the ballgown - usually a requirement for both the semi-finals and the finals - is being replaced by the little black dress, with the aim of modernising the contest and cutting down on the cost for entrants. Director, Angie Beasley, said:

“Contestants usually need a ballgown for both the semi's and the final of Miss England. In the Midlands semi final, contestants won't need a ballgown to compete - only the ladies who reach the final will. I’m hoping other regional contests will eventually follow suit.

"It’s a fact that girls don’t like to wear the same dress twice and many end up spending hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds on at least two ballgowns in one year and it gets very expensive."

A public vote will start on the 1st May, with the winning contestant gaining a place in the national final of Miss England. The judges will also choose at least 4 other contestants to go forward to the national final .

For further information and to meet some of the contestants so far please visit Miss England online. Anyone interested in entering Miss England, or who would like to know more, can visit missengland.info.