"Unfortunately the number of contestants dropped back to four today and ideally we'd like to double that to make it a real competition," The Advertiser's advertising manager Rebecca Gillon said.

There’s an excellent prize pool up for grabs for this year's winner, valued at about $1700.

The Advertiser welcomes five new prize sponsors for this year’s quest – Cynthja Pappin Photography, Travelscene Cessnock, Flanagan’s Menswear, XY Hair Co. and East Coast Meats – and welcomes back Cessnock Supporters Club, Beveridge’s Menswear, O’Neill’s Tyres and Pep’s Auto Spares, who all supported last year’s inaugural event.

A new photographer to town, Cynthja is offering a fashion shoot for the winner and portrait packages for the two runners-up.

Along with hosting the event on Friday, September 21, Cessnock Supporters Club will provide the winner with an accommodation, dinner and golf package for two valued at $350.

The winner will also receive:

- A $250 voucher from Travelscene Cessnock

- A $100 voucher from Beveridge’s Menswear

- A $100 voucher from O’Neill’s Tyres Cessnock

- A $50 voucher from Pep’s Auto Spares Cessnock

- A $50 voucher from Flanagan’s Menswear

- A free hair cut valued up to $30 from XY Hair Co. Cessnock

- A $30 voucher from East Coast Meats

Ms. Gillon thanked the sponsors that have come on board this year and those who have returned for their generosity.

She also thanked the men who have entered this year’s competition and is encouraging more to sign up.

Stay tuned to the August 22 edition of The Advertiser for the 2012 Bachelor of the Year launch feature. Entrants' profiles and an online poll will appear on our website from that day.