IT’S not often you hear the words Bear Grylls, James Bond and metro-sexual in the same sentence, but then again being an escort at the Rose of Tralee is no regular event.

THE search is on for a bunch of budding escorts to tend to the needs of 32 women from Ireland and abroad vying for the coveted Rose of Tralee title.

ONE girl will be crowned tonight, but for reigning Rose of Tralee Aoife Kelly the passing of the crown will be a “bittersweet” moment.