The search has begun for the 2015 Derry Rose.

The girl selected with represent the county in the world-famous Rose of Tralee competition next year.

Applications now opened for 2015 selection process which will close on February 14 next year.

The 2015 Derry Rose Selection will take place on Saturday, March 28, in the White Horse Hotel at Campsie on the outskirts of the city.

The 2014 International Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh will visit Derry inext month.

Maria hit the headlines in September when she became the first International Rose of Tralee to come out as being gay.

The principal sponsor of the Derry competition is the Richmond Centre, while the Derry News is the media sponsor.

The hotel partner is the White Horse Hotel and the PR management partner is Mask Vs Mask.

To enter the competition, girls must be aged between 18 and 28.

Entries should be sent to derryrosecentre@gmail.com.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.