THE organiser of a Scarborough beauty contest which descended into a brawl says she is confident York's competition will pass off smoothly.

Diane Yalezo said the Miss York & District final, which she also runs, will be a much more upmarket affair than Miss Scarborough, which ended with police being called to tackle the disturbance.

"It takes place at the Hilton on May 3, with tickets costing £25, and with the winner automatically going through to the Miss England final in Torbay in June," she said.

"My only concern is that I've only got 10 contestants so far, and need to get more."

At the Miss Scarborough contest, held in Lebberston on April 12 and won by Filey teenager Jess Gale, supporters of one of the losing contestants are reported to have chanted 'Fix! Fix' and attacked a doorman with punches, kicks and handbags. A pensioner is also said to have been knocked to the ground in the melee.

North Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the competition at about 11.45 pm following reports of a disturbance but when officers arrived five minutes later, the situation had calmed down. "Police have not received any complaints and no one has been arrested in connection with the incident," said a spokesman.

Ms Yalezo, who reportedly cried for days after the Scarborough event and condemned the 'disgusting' behaviour, said she considered quitting afterwards but had now been persuaded to run the event again next year. However, it would be a “family event" at an upmarket hotel on a Sunday afternoon with cream teas served rather than alcohol.

Miss England organiser Angie Beasley is reported to have said that in her 26 years of organising pageants, had never once heard of a fight.

*Anyone still wanting to enter Miss York and District should call Diane Yalezo on 07864 028302 or email her at dianeyalezo@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible.