China's Hainan set for Miss World

The final is on Saturday

China's Hainan island is gearing up to stage its second Miss World beauty competition, with the final set to take place on Saturday.

Organiser Julia Morley said the competitors had received a warm welcome on Hainan, which saw an increase in tourism following last year's event.

This year's competition is the first where the winner will be chosen by the public and not judges, organisers said.

The Miss World held in 2002 sparked sectarian violence in host Nigeria.

"The girls... are overwhelmed by the reaction they have received and it has given them a real boost at a time of competition," Ms Morley said.

The Miss World website has a form with which the public can cast their vote.

TV viewers will be able to vote for the winner by phone, SMS text messaging, TV remote control and online, the website said.

There are more than 100 contestants competing for the crown.