BEAUTY queen hopefuls hit the catwalk when they took part in a dress rehearsal for the Miss Bolton modelling competition.

Up to 30 contestants were at Bar Club Chic, Nelson Square, on Saturday where they were asked a series of questions in preparation for the Miss Bolton final, which will take place later this month.

The 30 beat off competition from 100 other hopefuls to secure their place in the final - the first competition of its kind to operate exclusively in the town for several years.

The competition was open to girls aged 18 to 24 who had never had children, never been married or ever done any glamour modelling work.

The quest for the title will be tough - the wannabes will be asked questions about why they should win the competition, and will be judged by a panel of peers on their answers, appearance and demeanour on the catwalk.

Fame beckons for the final winner, with a modelling contract with North-west agency Impact and a place in the Miss England final on September 2-3 at the Olympia in Liverpool.

And if Miss Bolton is crowned Miss England she will win a place in the ultimate beauty contest - Miss World in Sanya, China, in December.

Gary Bonds, from Bonds PR, who is running the Miss Bolton contest, said: "Miss Bolton is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to launch a modelling contract."

The Miss England contest is now being filmed by Sky One and will be turned into a TV programme, to be broadcast later this year.

The Miss Bolton final will take place at Bar Club Chic, June 26 from 7.30pm - 11pm.