TEENAGERS from the Moorlands are bidding to be crowned Miss Staffordshire.

Amy Byrne, from Leek, Chloe Molland, from Longsdon, and Jessica Bond, from Ipstones, all aged 18, attended an event at Uttoxeter Racecourse in the hope of being chosen to represent their home county at a national pageant.

Amy, who was just 13 when her father, Steven, died from a heart condition, believes he would have backed her decision to take part. The Westwood College student, from Birchall, said: "When my dad died we all went through a rough time.

"He had a heart condition and just dropped dead. I lost him really suddenly. It was very difficult.

"He always said I was gorgeous and I was his little princess.

"I know he would be proud of me for entering this contest. He would say 'go for it'. I like to think he'd be smiling down on me."

Amy also helped care for her grandfather Basil Davenport, who died in May, aged 82, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The teenager said: "The last five years have been very difficult for my family.

"I wanted to enter Miss Staffordshire because I thought it would be good for my confidence. I could make new friends, do something new and have a good experience."

Amy is one of about 30 contestants who have applied for this year's competition.

She will go head to head with fellow Westwood College pupil Chloe and University of Derby student Jessica.

Chloe, who works as a waitress, said: "I've done a lot of modelling and been on the catwalk, but I'm due to start work at Alton Towers soon as a ride host.

"I think it's upbeat and a really nice competition. It will be a fun experience."

Jessica said: "I have been Ipstones Agricultural Queen, which was lovely as I did lots of charity work.

"I do all the walking routines with the girls at the agricultural shows.

"Miss Staffordshire is fun and a new experience for me."

They were joined at the auditions by Rachel Powell, aged 21, of Aston Lodge, near Stone. Following two auditions, the first of which was on Saturday, 20 girls will be selected to compete in a final.

That will take place at Uttoxeter Racecourse's Silks Restaurant on April 16.

The finalists are to appear in 'a day at the races' outfits, ahead of the day's final race.

They will then show off their best club wear and return to the stage in evening gowns to be quizzed in front of an audience.

Two runners-up and the overall winner, who represents the county in the Miss England competition, will then be chosen.

Uttoxeter Races events manager Liz O'Sullivan, who is on the panel to select the finalists, said it was the first time the venue had staged the annual event.

She added: "So far, the standard has been high and we've had girls enter from all over the county.

"We are looking for nice-looking girls with a nice personality."

Auditions for Miss Staffordshire also take place at the racecourse tomorrow. For more details, call 01889 562561.