A NEW modelling event which combines the excitement of a beauty pageant with an evening of high energy live entertainment is launching its national tour in Tavistock Town Hall on Sunday, September 14.

The show, The Essence Style and Beauty Awards, is being organised by Tavistock company UK Hotlist, which was started by former Tavistock College student Ben Neil as an online community for British modelling. Local women and UK Hotlist models will challenge for the titles in style, elegance and attitude.

Contestants from Tavistock and the surrounding area will include Ellie Hilton, Charlotte Olive, Liz Horsley, Becky Ames, Harriet Potter, Rhiannon Stephens, Laura King, Mecia Simpson and Joanne Gallagher, with several more still to be confirmed.

Each contestant will get professional hair and make-up styling and time with a choreographer before strutting and posing in front of family and friends.

Along with the judging panel, each member of the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite and there is a cash prize fund of £1,000. The overall winner will also be presented with a necklace.

The live entertainment will feature West Country singer Sophie Mendoza as well as a performance by the area's top break dance crew.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7.30pm, are available from the Essence ticket hotline on 01822 870267, from http://www.ukhotlist.com">www.ukhotlist.com or in Tavistock at Honey's Wish, PL19, Robin's, Pillar's Newsagents, Bob's East End Cafe and Lake's Chemist.

Theatre-style tickets are £12 but VIP tickets are available, providing a seat at a runway-side VIP table with drinks, buffet and an invite to the private after-show party at Jack Chams Lounge Bar, for £25.

Sponsors and those providing services include Jack Chams Lounge Bar, Number 13, Siren Lingerie, Maximilliam Hair, First Glance, Orchard Dance Studio, Tavistock Catering Company, Randell Cox, Tavistock Treasures, Pebbles, Tavistaff and Tavistock Rugby Club.