A BOLTON dental surgeon is hoping to get her “teeth” into a new challenge — by competing to represent Great Britain in the Miss Universe pageant.

Zara Ramsay-Nortley is one of 40 women taking part in the three-day Miss Universe Great Britain heat in Cardiff this June.

The 26-year-old works at Synergy Dental Clinics, which have bases in Blackburn Road and Higher Swan Lane.

She will be fundraising for Strongbones Charitable Trust in the run-up to the competition.

The national charity was set up to alleviate the pain, suffering and financial burden of families who have children suffering from bone conditions and diseases across the UK.

Zara is also an ambassador for Project Code Red, a not-for-profit organisation which provides feminie hygiene products to vulnerable and homeless women.

She said: “I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year and will be doing all that I can in the next few months to prepare.

“Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it’s going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun.”

June’s heat will include an empowerment day and a catwalk show before a panel of judges from the beauty and fashion industry.

The winner will represent the UK in an exotic overseas location– yet to be announced – later this year in the Miss Universe final.

They will also receive a wardrobe of designer clothes, pearl jewellery, swimwear and a holiday in Bali.

Zara added: “Competing for the title of Miss Universe GB has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.

“Pageantry has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and helped me to develop a level of confidence that I couldn't even imagine I could possess 10 years ago.”

To follow Zara’s journey: go to facebook.com/ZaraForUGB15 and to vote for her in the public vote, for which the winner is awarded a 15 point head start in the final, text GB Zara to 64343.