TWO sisters are hoping for double success when they line up together next month as finalists in the Miss Newport 2013 and Miss Torfaen 2013 pageants.

Twenty-two-year-old Laura Kirkham Jones and 17-year-old Jessica from Cwmbran applied independently for the competitions. In the summer, the two girls were shopping in Cardiff when the were spotted by a talent scout, who complimented them saying that because of their 6ft height they would make perfect models.

Laura said: "Me and my sister have never done anything like this, but after we were spotted, our confidence grew and we thought why not enter and see how it goes."

Laura is hoping to become Miss Newport, while Jessica has her eyes on the Miss Torfaen title.

Laura added: "It's all really exciting for us and I can't wait to dress up in a big dress for the prom dress round."

The rules of the Miss Wales competition state that women can apply for a region where they either live, work or study.

While both live at home in Cwmbran, Laura is a student of nutrition at University of Wales in Newport, which enabled her to apply for Miss Newport.

Event organiser, Paula Abbandonato who runs Miss Wales, said: "The fact that they are going for different titles probably makes it a little easier for the family. We wish them both the very best of luck."

Another contender for the Miss Newport 2013 title is Harriet Grinnall, 17, and is the younger sister of the current Miss Newport titleholder, Olivia Grinall.

The final of Miss Newport and Miss Torfaen takes place on January 22 at The Congress Theatre in Cwmbran.

The competitions are the local qualifiers for the annual Miss Wales event Ð the winner of which then goes on to Miss World.

The winner will then represent Wales on the Miss World stage in Bali in the summer of 2013.

Applications are still being taken at www.misswales.co.uk