THE SEARCH is on for Miss Huddersfield ... and the girl deemed the town's loveliest could go on to become Miss England or even Miss World!

The beauty contest is getting a surprise revival in the town after local photographer, Collette Parker, decided to stage a local heat.

The move follows national plans to expand the Miss England competition.

A date and venue are yet to be confirmed for the June event, a joint heat for Huddersfield and Halifax, which will raise cash for Halifax's Overgate Hospice.

Collette, who grew up in Birkby but now lives near Calderdale Royal Hospital, said: "Last year there were 40 local heats for Miss England, this year it's hoped there'll be 75.

"Everyone thinks I'm mad trying to organise this but I want to give it a go."

Entrants should be aged 17 to 24 and have sparking personalities as well as stunning looks.

If they're voted Miss Huddersfield or Miss Halifax, and they get through to national finals, they'll also have to display an extra talent - like singing, dancing, comedy or magic.

Mum-of-three Collette, 39, a former pupil of Kayes College and Fartown High School, says: "Some people think beauty contests are old-fashioned and sexist, but when I went to the last Miss England competition I was surprised at how bright and talented the women were.

"There are no bikinis - just a nice evening outfit - and entrants will have to wow the judges with chat as well as beauty."

Miss England, Hammasa Kohistani of London, is set to visit Huddersfield soon to help generate extra interest in the contest.

The local winner will get a £500 portfolio from Collette, who's photographed the likes of Jordan and Andrew Flintoff, and other prizes.

She says: "We're looking for fresh-faced girls next door. You don't have to be as tall as a catwalk model.

"The conditions are that you've never posed topless, you haven't been married and you aren't a mum."

* A downloadable entry form will appear on Collette's website, www.colletteparker.com, within the next few days. Email collette.parker@blueyonder.co.uk or call 01422 253177 or 0774 2824811.