GIRLS are being invited to get in their applications for the second Miss Teen Bermuda Islands Pageant to take place this summer.

Those aged between 13 and 16 are eligible to enter the event at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts on July 7.

But those with an eye on the title won by Whitney Morfitt last year need to be prepared to work hard. All entrants must go through an eight-week programme covering everything from stance and poise to diction.

Bettina Trott, who has done some modelling herself, will 'coach' the girls with help from Ianthia Butler. Ms Trott said it was not always easy to see the improvements being made by the girls during the two months of training.

"Sometimes it seems like a long process because we don't see a quick development in the girls," said Ms Trott. "Often it comes through on the night. I think they don't like to show each other what they have learned and they want to save their best for the night.

Ms Trott, who also helped to prepare pageant entrants last year, said: "It's unbelievable how they blossom on the night. You see things that come out then that you just never expected from the eight weeks of working with them. "I would say they are really competitive as they learn a lot about each other and they know what they will have to do because they can see what the other girls have. I think they gain a lot of respect for each other because they learn from each other."

Apart from the Miss Teen Bermuda Islands crown, three other titles will be up for grabs - Miss Talent, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. Lady Swan will present the winner of the main title with a cheque for $1,000. First runner-up will receive $500 and the next three will get $100 each.

Barbara Dillas, of Sandys Middle School art department, will design a backdrop to resemble a castle. Producer Terry Smith, of TL Productions, said that would "add to the Cinderella effect of the show".

"One condition for the entrants is they must have at least average grades at schools," said Mr. Smith, who added that the preparation for the pageant could be an important part of a girl's personal development.

Last year's winner Miss Morfitt agreed with that sentiment. "You meet a lot of new people and learn a lot and it's a great experience," said the 16-year-old.

Entrants were whittled down to a top ten and then a top five and then asked a question. Miss Morfitt was adjudged to have answered her question best.

Responsibilities came with winning for Miss Morfitt, who has been a spokesperson for the Aids awareness organisation Allan Vincent Smith Foundation, since being crowned last year.

The deadline for entries is May 13. Entry forms are available from 27th Century Boutique, La Trattoria, Connections and Cessi's.