MORECAMBE, the traditional home of the beauty contest for more than 40 years, is being offered a way back into the beauty business...

It is more than 20 years since the resort lost its place as a leading venue in the competition it invented.

But now there could be a way back for Morecambe if someone is prepared to step forward and organise a heat.

The licence for a heat of the Miss England contest in Morecambe is up for grabs for just £1,500.

The heat winner will go on to represent the town in the Miss England final and the winner of that goes forward to compete for the title of Miss World.

But right now, ahead of the 2006 contest, there is no heat for the area's beauties to enter.

If they want to try their luck they would have to enter the Miss Preston or Miss Bradford contests.

But Miss England spokesman Vivienne Lee told the Citizen this week: "We would really love to see a heat staged in Morecambe, the home of the beauty contest.

"I can't believe that no-one has applied for the licence for Morecambe because I think there should be an entrant from the resort.

"Morecambe was the real home of the Miss Great Britain competition and I remember Lancaster City Council being wonderfully helpful throughout the events.

"There should be a heat in Morecambe and it is not too late for someone to arrange it.

"The Miss England final takes place in July next year and that leaves plenty of time for a local heat to be arranged."

Model UK.com, who hold 35 licences for heats, have no plans to come to Morecambe.

The company's Lucie Hide says: "There is nothing to stop someone from Morecambe travelling to take part in one of our heats."

Model UK.com are staging a heat in Preston 20 miles south of Lancaster and Morecambe but Ms Hide invited the Citizen to publicise the event in Rochdale.

Anyone interested in staging a heat in Morecambe can call the Citizen and we will put them in touch with the Miss England organisers.

Call Matt Donlan on 01524-382121 or e-mail matt.donlan@lancaster.ne wsquest.co.uk to find out more.