GIRLS are being sought for a beauty contest with a difference - because the event will not only clinch them a title, but help disabled Gwent youngsters at the same time.

A Miss Gwent competition is being staged at the Holiday Inn, Newport, on December 14.

The event is being held in conjunction with the Sparkle Appeal, with any money raised from the evening going to help our cause.

We launched our appeal last December with the aim of raising £250,000 towards a new £6 million children's centre to be built at High Cross, and which will 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 special fashion show, wearing clothes that they designed and made themselves.

Ceri Jones, former Miss Great Britain contestant, from Zero One Studios, is organising the evening, and said: "This is a new, exciting competition. "We are looking for fresh-faced young ladies from the Gwent area who are brimming with confidence.

"The winner of Miss Gwent will be taken on to Zero One Model books and given a free portfolio.

"There are photo shoots set up for the winner and she will have fetes to attend through the year."

Girls must be aged between 18 and 26, and the final 20 contestants will go through a bikini round and an evening wear round.

To enter, send two photographs, one headshot 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.