THE county's most beautiful women were out in force last weekend, all vying for a place in the finals of Miss Hertfordshire 2009. More than 80 girls turned up at The Galleria, in Comet Way, Hatfield, to audition. Only 40 spaces were available for the

THE county's most beautiful women were out in force last weekend, all vying for a place in the finals of Miss Hertfordshire 2009.

More than 80 girls turned up at The Galleria, in Comet Way, Hatfield, to audition.

Only 40 spaces were available for the final, to be held on May 3 at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage.

Nine girls from Times Territory made it through to the finals, the winner of which will go on to represent the county at the Miss England competition in July.

The winner of that contest will then travel to Johannesburg in South Africa for this year's Miss World pageant.

Organiser Sue Waite said: "It's not just being attractive and photogenic that matters, our next Miss Hertfordshire will need good communication skills, charm and confidence.

"We had a very diverse mixture of girls with skills ranging from trainee accountant, nanny, law student and fine arts student. The next Miss Hertfordshire will need to represent our county at Miss England in July, and I am sure we will find someone who will fit the bill perfectly."

The finalists will be raising money for the Galleria's charity of the year, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Mrs Waite said the girls would be raising the money in a variety of "weird and wonderful" ways.

"I would love to present the charity with a fantastic amount raised on the night of the finals," said Mrs Waite.

"So come on girls lets beat last year's total of over �6,000!