THE former Miss York finalist who is waiting for a double lung transplant has announced she will make an appearance at this weekend’s competition at the Royal York Hotel.

Emma Young, 22, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, has been given the go-ahead from doctors to leave hospital to present the Charity Award at the Miss York final on Sunday evening.

With funds from this year’s event going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, event organiser Vivienne Lee said the visit from Emma Young had given a “different perspective” to the final.

York Press: View Miss York 2009 finalists gallery View pictures of this year's finalists>>

“The girls are really looking forward to seeing Emma on Sunday,” she said.

“We had great news yesterday that she’s been given permission to come to the event because she is permanently in hospital.

“It takes a lot of organising, but I can’t tell you how heart-warming it is to that the girls have done so much to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

Sunday’s final, sponsored by Face etc... medispa in York, sees 25 young contestants gather in the hope of gaining the Miss York title, earning them an automatic place in the Miss England final in July.

BBC presenter Harry Gration will host Sunday’s final alongside former Miss England Georgia Horsley. Entertainment will be provided by Tom Jones tribute act, and former contender on the BBC’s One And Only Simon Abbotts.

Miss Lee said: “There’s a lot of excitement and I know the girls are very nervous.

“It’s a very long day for them as well. I know they enjoy it, but it’s a very long day.”

The Miss York competition was brought back by Miss Lee in 2005 following a 20-year absence.

This year’s final includes an “eco” round where contestants have to either create an outfit or recycle an outfit from a charity shop.

Whoever takes the crown from last year’s winner, Helen Jackson, will attend the Hilton Metropole Hotel, in London, in July for the Miss England final, and could fly the flag for her country in the Miss World finals later in the year.

Sunday’s York event takes place at 7.30pm at The Royal York Hotel. There are still some tickets available, priced £40. For details, phone 07904 376 629.