Miss Essex FM final - tonight

Samantha Harris from Stock - one of tonight's finalists

The final of Miss Essex FM takes place tonight (Thursday) at the Festival Leisure Park in Basildon. longpier.com reluctantly agreed to give up 3-hours of telly watching to see 24 lovelies from across the county battle it out at Liquid & Envy nightclub in Bas Vegas.

Rehearsals for the big night start today at midday, and the fun officially starts from 6.30pm. longpier.com will have a report in the early hours of Friday morning, with exclusive pictures and behind the scenes excitement as well as an interview with the winner.

Tickets are £10 and can be purchased on the door - all the money raised will go to Martin and Su's Essex Kids charity. It aims to help children and young people who experience poverty and disadvantage or who are experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness, violence or crime. All money raised stays in the area and will be used to help charities and organisations make a real difference to the children of Essex.

Picture courtesy: Paul Blundell Photography