HAVE the women of Warrington got what it takes to be a winner in the beauty stakes?

That was the question posed by the Warrington Guardian after a girl from outside the town ran away with the Miss Warrington title - for the second year in a row.

Ashley McKeever, aged 18, from Wigan, was the controversial winner of the 2006 event.

And last year the title was won by Kelly Murrell, of Runcorn.

The organisers say the contest is not limited to girls living within the boundaries of the borough.

But not everyone agrees with this ruling.

Stacey Scott, from Padgate, said: "What is the name of the competition? Miss Warrington - not Miss Wherever!

"It's a girl who is supposed to represent our town, but how can they care about our town when they don't even live here?"

Pauline Halliday, from Great Sankey, agrees.

She said: "Only girls from Warrington should hold the title. Why can't she be Miss Wigan? Mind you, would you admit to that title?"

But 22-year-old Kelly Pinnock, from Glazebrook, says it gives girls a better chance of being spotted.

She said: "After a competition in Manchester my details were forwarded on to a model agency in London, who paid for me to have professional photos taken. I don't think Miss Warrington or any other competitions should only allow girls from their town, as it gives us all a better chance."