HERE is one of the first entrants for the Miss Gwent competition, being held in conjunction with the Argus Sparkle Appeal.

Girls from around Gwent are being encouraged to enter the competition - like Lexy Johnson, 19, from Cwmbran.

Lexy said: "I just thought it was a fun thing to do. I have done modelling before, and other beauty contests - it is fun and you make new friends.

"It is good that there is a contest here for girls in this area. It will be a good chance to make friends locally. I am looking forward to the contest and would encourage other girls to enter."

Rachel Bond, 19, from Cwmbran, is another of the five entrants who have registered so far.

The contest will take place on December 14 at the Holiday Inn, Newport.

The event is in conjunction with Sparkle, with any money raised from the evening going to the Argus appeal.

The Argus launched its Sparkle Appeal last December with the aim of raising £250,000 towards a new £6 million children's centre to be built at High Cross to help 1,200 disabled children.

As well as featuring the Miss Gwent contestants, the evening will also see Sparkle children take to the stage in a fashion show, wearing clothes designed and made by themselves.

Ceri Jones, from Zero One Studios, organising the evening, said: "This is a new, exciting competition for Gwent girls."

The winner of Miss Gwent will be taken on to Zero One agency's books and will receive a free portfolio.

Entrants must be aged between 18 and 26, and the contestants will go through a bikini round and an evening wear round.

To enter, send two photographs, one head shot and one full length, along with a covering letter with your name, address, contact numbers, age, height and some information about hobbies and interests to Miss Gwent Competition, Zero One, 71-73 Lower Dock Street, Newport, NP20 1EH, before November 14.