Miss Sunderland and Miss Newcastle go head-to-head for North-East beauty crown

Headline Models including Natasha Phelps, photographed by David Lawson. Right: Natasha.

Miss Sunderland GB will go head to head with Miss Newcastle GB in a new regional beauty contest.

Reigning Miss Sunderland GB Natasha Phelps was on hand to launch the regional search for a pageant princess.

The event will feature 60 finalists battling it out for the titles Miss Newcastle GB, Miss Sunderland GB, Miss Durham GB and Miss Teesside GB.

Each winner will receive a selection of prizes, a modelling contract and will go on to represent their region in the Miss Great Britain Grand Final in September.

This year’s theme is Icons and Natasha joined current Miss Newcastle GB Nicole Bailey and other models from Headline Models, Anya Gould, Mumbi Masisi and Beth Macari, to recreate iconic looks for a photoshoot with Wearside photographer David Lawson.

Natasha, 19, from Washington, said: “Winning this competition has opened many doors for me.

“Before the crown I was quite a shy girl and often let others lead the way, but now my confidence has rocketed and I have taken all the new opportunities given to me.

Headline Models including Natasha Phelps, photographed by David Lawson.

“I have loved being Miss Sunderland GB.

“I wouldn’t change if for the world.”

Miss North East GB director Simon Robertson said: “We are thrilled to be bringing this event to the North East. For the first time we will be crowning four winners on the same night, making it the biggest beauty competition in the North East.

“The evening will be spectacular with catwalk, dinner, entertainment and the iconic glamour of the stage, screen and fashion worlds in one night.”

Entrants will take part in stages based on personality, appearance, style and will also be competing to take the title of Miss Charity which is given to the contestant who raises the most money for Cash for Kids. Cash for Kids regional manager, Stephanie Simpson, said: “We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this very special event in 2015. The entrant crowned Miss Charity gets a fast track to the final eight so that is a fantastic incentive for the girls to really get involved.

“If they do go on to represent their country, fund-raising and charity work will be an integral part of their duties so this is a great way for them to show off their charitable nature and commitment to helping others.”

Entrants to Miss North East GB must be aged 17-27.

• Full details and an entry form are available at www.missnortheastgb.co.uk.