TWO Blackpool beauties are searching for knights in shining armour to help make their dreams come true.

Sam Hearn, 26, and her friend Suzanne Walker, also 26, are hoping generous Blackpool businesses can sponsor them to enter the Miss Great Britain contest this month.

Sam said they have to put £200 each towards the cost of organising the prestigious beauty contest on February 23 -- but they must find sponsorship by the end of this week.

Sam said: "I have never been in a national final before. I have done Miss Blackpool a few times and other local competitions but I have never got to national level, so it's really exciting. I thought my chance had gone to represent my country."

Sam was short-listed for the final after filling in a form in September at another beauty competition and said it would be a dream come true to win Miss Great Britain.

"The winner goes on to the international competition, Miss Tourism World, in Colombia. They get an all-expenses paid trip there to represent Britain," she said.

Sam, who is studying drama at The Bridge Theatre Training Company in London, said sponsors will each receive two tickets for the final, their names in the programme, and she and Suzanne can wear sashes bearing company names.

Suzanne added: "It's quite daunting really. It would be a great door opener for me. But you have to have a sponsor otherwise you cannot enter."

But for Sam television fame is also beckoning. She will appear as a contestant on Blind Date some time in late spring. The programme has already been recorded but she was giving nothing away.

"I don't know if I can tell you anything," she said. "I really enjoyed it and it was good to have the experience of being in front of a camera."

She appealed for anyone who can help with sponsorship to get in touch with her mum Sandra on (01253) 352687.