THE runners and riders are in for the county’s first Worcestershire Rose competition this weekend.

Your Worcester News, in conjunction with hairdresser Umberto Giannini and Worcester Racecourse, is putting on a feast of entertainment at the city course on Sunday, when the winner of the competition will be crowned.

Racecourse staff have worked around the clock to pull everything together after heavy rain earlier in the week had threatened to put a damper on the affair.

But with sunshine now forecast, there is a winning chance that the announcement of the new first lady of Worcestershire will be blessed with fine weather.

There is a card of six hurdle races during the day, the first at 2.20pm. Gates open at 12.20pm.

A panel of local celebrity judges will be scrutinising all 10 of the ladies.

Each of the entrants believes they have what it takes to win the crown and be more than just a pretty face.

The winner will have to be able to give up their time to represent the county at a range of charity, social, sporting and business events through the year, so there will be not be any room for shrinking violets.

In return they will go away with top prizes worth more than £1,500, including make-up and beauty products, and an engraved trophy for the mantelpiece at home.

None of the would-be roses goes away empty-handed, however, with £100 goody bags for the runners-up.

The Worcestershire Rose will hold the title for a year, when the competition will begin again.

Jenny Cheshire, at the racecourse, said the stage was now set for “a fantastic event”.

And the race-going public will also be able to see the 10 finalists close at hand throughout the day with each given a chance to mingle, and pose for pictures with the winners of each of the races.