The number of people wanting to take part in the contest - and land some top prizes in the process - now runs into double figures and the number is rising all the time.

Chorley's newest shop - The Beauty Box, at 39 Chapel Street - is due to open later this month and has agreed to sponsor the competition and provide a £50 gift voucher to the winner.

The prize is in addition to the complete studio sitting, a set of preview prints and a modern framed 20x16 portrait worth £360 that has been offered by Chorley-based Studio Twelve Photography and a £100 hairstyle being provided by Gallery Hair Technicians, in High Street.

Nicola Morris is the joint owner of The Beauty Box, which sells High Street beauty products at discount prices.

She said: "We're a new firm in Chorley and that's why we delighted to get involved in the Miss Guardian competition. We're sure it will be a big success."

Samara Service, 17, from Leyland, is one of the latest people to enter.
The Runshaw College student said: "My mum suggested I should take part. I'm hoping to be a singer and this is a bit of fun."

Jessica Wright, 16, from Astley Village has also entered the competition at the suggestion of her mum Julie.

She said: "My mum always reads the Guardian and she saw the competition in the paper.

"I've always been a performer and thought it would be fun to have a go."

People can either enter themselves by sending a photograph to the Guardian or nominate someone else, such as a daughter, grand-daughter, girlfriend or wife.

There are no age restrictions and the closing date is likely to be in the middle of August.

The pictures will appear in a supplement and a shortlist will then be drawn up - from which the winner will be chosen by a panel of experts.
Email photos to guardiannews@lep.co.uk or send to Miss Guardian, c/o Chorley and Leyland Guardian, 32a Market Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2RY.