Black Country beauty final called off as girls pull out

The final of the Miss Black Country beauty pageant, which had been scheduled to take place tomorrow, has had to be postponed because of a shortage of talent, it was announced today.

Organisers Front Models revealed a string of finalists had pulled out at the 11th hour, leaving too few girls left to compete.

The final had been due to take place at Malmaison in Birmingham tomorrow.

But applications have now been reopened to aspiring beauty queens for a re-scheduled final in May.

Front Models manager Laura Coleman said today: "We are very disappointed that we have had to postpone the event but we know it will give us time to recruit more applicants for the competition and plan a fantastic final in May."

Current Miss Black Country, Roshni Pink, aged 22, will extend her reign until a new queen is crowned.

The competition is open to 17 to 24-year-olds who are living, working, studying or from the Black Country, who will need to pay a £199 sponsorship fee.

The final will consist of a catwalk show made up of three rounds including sportswear, little red dress and evening wear. For more information and to apply, visit: www.frontuk.co.uk/models/pageants