A LOCAL beauty queen is set to compete in the final stages of a major competition after getting through to the national final of Miss Earth UK.
Abergavenny's Zara Mansfield, aged 18, has competed in beauty contests before often getting through to the final stages but Miss Earth UK is set to be one of the biggest.
The competition is aimed at promoting environmental issues through beauty. The organisers described its contestants as "informed, goal-oriented and committed to playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations."
Zara says she has always been interested in environmental issues and hopes she will be the person they chose to represent Miss Earth UK.
"Since I was younger, I have been interested in helping other people and the environment we live in," she said.
"I managed to get six local businesses and cafes in town to start recycling back in summer 2006, one aluminium can powers a refrigerator for up to three hours.
"Since then I have been involved in many charitable organisations mainly raising money for breast cancer as a close relative of mine passed away from this tragic illness."
The competition for the national final will take place at the end of August and if Zara is successful she could end up flying to the Philippines for the international final.
The national final takes place on Friday August 29 at the Royal Spa Theatre in Leamington Spa.
"I have made semi-finals of many modelling competitions and pageants but nothing would compare to doing well in a competition such as Miss Earth Wales where i not only get to represent my people but the earth and Gods creatures," she continued.
"I hope to become a successful role model for women everywhere and prove that inner beauty is not just being a happy,kind person but also helping the environment for the sake of themselves and future generations."
You can vote for Zara by texting 'Zara Mansfield' to 84205 alternatively you call phone 0901 656 1570 and key in the number 70.