MISS Staffordshire hopeful Amy Byrne knows her dad will be watching over his 'little princess' as she competes in the county's beauty pageant.

Amy was just 13 years old when her father, Steven, died from a heart condition at the age of 35.

And she also helped care for her grandfather Basil Davenport as he suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

Now she believes her experiences have given her the mental strength and courage to overcome all obstacles.

Amy, from Birchall, in Leek, 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.

"None of us knew he had this heart condition. It was very difficult."

And Amy believes her father would back her decision to compete in Miss Staffordshire.

She added: "My dad 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's grandad lived with her family, so she helped care for him before his death in May, aged 82.

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

"But I'm a lot happier now and it feels like we are making a new start.

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

Westwood College student Amy is supported by mum Karen Davenport, aged 40, and brother Adam, aged 16.

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

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 final race of the afternoon.

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. We want them to have something interesting to say for themselves."

Entrant Jessica Bond, aged 18, from Ipstones, said: "It's fun and it's a new experience for me."

And Chloe Molland, aged 18, of Longsdon, said: "I think it's upbeat and a really nice competition. It will be a fun experience."

Auditions for Miss Staffordshire will also take place at the racecourse on Thursday.

For more information, call 01889 562561.