THE search is on for this year s Miss Hertfordshire. Females aged 17 to 24 on or before October 1, 2007, and who live, study or work in Hertfordshire are invited to enter the competition and put themselves in with a chance of winning £1,000 worth of prize

THE search is on for this year's Miss Hertfordshire.

Females aged 17 to 24 on or before October 1, 2007, and who live, study or work in Hertfordshire are invited to enter the competition and put themselves in with a chance of winning £1,000 worth of prizes including a modelling contract with a leading agency.

Entrants are being sought to follow in the footsteps of Hayley Kruse who, when aged 17 last year, beat 38 other finalists to the title.

Although from Stotfold, in Mid Beds, Miss Kruse was eligible to enter the event because she was studying at Knights Templar School in Baldock.

Miss Kruse, who is still at the school and is currently studying for her A levels, said: "The highlight of the year was competing in Miss England which took place in Leicester in July. It was really exciting and something I never thought I would ever do.

"I was amazed how many people locally recognised me because of Miss Hertfordshire.

"Because of my studies, I decided not to pursue the modelling to any great extent, although I had several photo shoots, appeared in a magazine article to celebrate the birthday of the bikini and I have been regularly modelling wedding dresses."

Miss Kruse's final months include the role as compere at a charity variety show at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage in aid of the Prostate Cancer Charity, Alzheimer's Society and Cancer Research UK.

And on May 28 she will be handing over her crown to the winner of this year's final, also being held at the Gordon Craig.

The winner from the Hertfordshire heat will then be invited to represent the county at Miss England later in the year.

If you would like to enter there is an online application form at www.misshertfordshire.com

Alternatively, phone Rhona Shafik on 0116 277 3485 during the daytime, or 01438 210814 in the evening for more information.