By Julie Armstrong

Last updated 15:08, Wednesday, 02 April 2008

TWELVE women from north and west Cumbria are to battle it out to become the first Miss Cumbria.

• Slideshow Miss Cumbria finalists (photos submitted)

Kimberley Blakeway, of Cleator Moor

Organisers of the Miss England beauty contest have named the finalists of the first ever Cumbrian heat.

The girl crowned Miss Cumbria will go on to compete for the title of Miss England 2008 in July.

Contestants from north Cumbria are: Louise Mitchell, 19, a documentation engineer from Brampton; Shelley Townsley, 17, a cheerleader and dancer from Carlisle; Tracey Moore, 19, an actress from Carlisle; Lauren Connor, 17, a student from Carlisle; Jill Sawczuk, 22, a student from Carlisle; Kimberley James, 19 a beauty therapist from Alston; and Vicki Kilvington, 23, a volunteer from Appleby.

Contestants from west Cumbria are: Kimberly Blakeway, 18, a student from Cleator Moor; Natasha Cooper, 18, a student from Frizington; Lianne Reichert, 23, a business management student from Whitehaven; Mary Dixon, 18, a dancer from Maryport; and Natalie James, 21, a student radiographer from Whitehaven.

Competition organiser Angie Beasley said she was overwhelmed with entries from Cumbrian women aged 17-25 hoping to get the coveted crown.

A judging panel picked their top 21 girls from across Cumbria to be put to the public vote and competition lines opened on Saturday.

Members of the public will be allowed to vote by phone or text until April 20, which selects the final 10.

The girls will then be ranked by the current Miss England – Georgia Horsley, from North Yorkshire.

The winner receives a photoshoot with Fresh as well as direct entry to the final of Miss England in London, July 17 and 18.

Since winning the title last year, Georgina has picked up over £25,000 in prizes and has travelled all over the world as well as featuring in a number of fashion campaigns.

To vote, visit www.missengland.info and click on regional heats and then on Cumbria. Text the contestants first and second name to 84205 or call 0901 6561512 and key in the contestant’s voting number shown on the web page.