Search on for Miss NI

Sponsored again this year by Rushmere, the heats programme kicks off at Caf Vaudeville in Belfast on Thursday, April 22, culminating on Sunday, May 30, in Betty Blacks in Bangor with 24 girls going forward to a full weekend of VIP engagements and photocalls followed by the Gala Final at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Monday, June 21.

Rushmere will also host an exciting Miss NI heat on Saturday, April 24, live in the mall, with celebrity judges on hand to crown the new Miss Rushmere.

Martin Walsh, Centre Manager at Rushmere Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted to, once again, be the major sponsor of the prestigious Miss Northern Ireland competition.

"The 2009 event was a fantastic success, which Rushmere Shopping Centre was proud to be associated with. The heats were extremely competitive, and generated tremendous interest throughout the province.”

The winner of the contest will be crowned at a gala ceremony in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on June 21 and will receive thousands of pounds worth of prizes including a brand new car for the year from Downeys of Newtownards, 1,000 Rushmere shopping vouchers, 1,000 vouchers to spend at Matalan at Rushmere, 500 Summer Wardrobe from Debenhams at Rushmere, and hairdressing from stylists at Michele International for the duration of her reign.

Prizes for the title holder and all finalists also include a modelling contract and a fabulous new trophy supplied by Belfast Crystal. The complete prize package for the competition is worth 40,000.

2010’s Rushmere Miss NI will also win an all expenses paid, month long trip representing Northern Ireland in this year’s Miss World contest due to be held in Vietnam in November later this year.

Event organiser Alison Campbell is looking for entrants aged between 17 and 24 years from all parts of Northern Ireland to take over the crown from current Miss NI Cherie Gardiner.

To enter girls should send a photograph with their name and address to the Rushmere Miss Northern Ireland Contest, 381 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 5DT. Competition rules can be checked out on the Miss NI website www.missnorthernireland.co.uk. It also outlines full details of the competition heats and the range of prizes available.