They came from across the Kingdom - 10,000 young Cambodians vying to win the televised beauty contest known as "Srey Sroh Pros Saat 2005."

Initial applicants competed against local rivals in 12 provinces to decide a shortlist of 66 contestants for the final, held at the Olympic Stadium on October 1, and shown live on Cambodian Television Network (CTN).

After much preening and parading, first prize for the boys went to Yem Mala from Siem Reap and to En Voleaktepi from Banteay Meanchey in the girls category.

Winners were awarded a brand new motorbike and $1,000, while runners-up and third-place winners were given $700 and $500 respectively.

The top six contestants will also get an opportunity with CTN to crack an ongoing career in the limelight.