SPRING is in the air and Blackpool is host to a bevy of beautiful babes as the finals of a national competition are held this weekend.

"Miss Spring Babe 2000" final is being held at the Blackpool nightspot on Friday (June 16) and almost 30 contestants will be hoping to be selected as the winner by a panel of local celebrity judges and walk off with the top prize of £3,000.

And our own Miss Blackpool Caroline Porter (pictured) is in the running.

Comperes for the night will be Andy Cruise and Dr Feelgood.

As well as the glamorous swim-suited contestants -- all winners from heats held around the country -- there will also be fantastic entertainment all night.

On stage joining DJ Steve Sale will be the wild Ibiza Untouched show, direct from the Spanish island, who will be creating havoc throughout the night.

Fire-eaters will be keeping the atmosphere hot, the very special "Flash Your Smile" UV show will also be there, plus top pop act Lock'n'Load.

This event helps mark the beginning of a superb summer of stars who are due to appear at The Palace.

July 1 sees Craig Fairbrass alias Dan from Eastenders, making a public appearance.

Others lined up for the summer include Martin Kemp, also known as Steve Owen, Jimmi Harkishin alias Dev from Coronation Street, Mick Johnson from Brookside who is played by Louis Emerick and last but not least Emmerdale's new DJ star Tim Vincent.

The doors open at 9pm.