A FORMER Kearsley footballer has set her goal on becoming Miss North West 2015.

Christina Cunningham has gone from football boots to high heels in her role as Miss Charity of Bolton and Bury.

But now the 23-year-old is hoping to go one step further as she makes it through the finals of Miss North West.

The competition is the regional heats for the Miss England Final 2016 and competitors are relying on a public vote and winning over a panel of judges at a ceremony in Blackpool next month.

Christina said: "I'm so excited for it and nervous as I've worked so hard.

"The competition and title is about inspiring young women to believe in themselves and raising money for charity by inspiring others around you.

"It's not just judged on your looks, but personality and what you have done to raise money for charity.

"This role has been an opportunity I never thought I would get and I've really enjoyed promoting local charities and business."

Voting for Miss North West opened on Tuesday and will close on Sunday, November 15, when there will be a grand final at The Sands Venue in Blackpool.

Christina is one of 37 hopefuls out of 250 who have been chosen to compete for the crown.

The public vote acts as one judge on the panel and on the Sunday event finalists must compete in a four-stage celebration catwalk with rounds in evening wear, sports wear, party wear and eco wear - designed and made by the contestants.

Contestants also have to reveal who much money they've raised for charity over the course of representing their respective communities.

A former Bolton Wanderers Ladies player for seven seasons, Christina was the first woman to work in the Sports Science Department at Everton football Club and assisted at the Academy Sports Science Department at the Wanderers for two years.

A life-long Wanderers fan, she walked out on to the pitch at the Macron Stadium last Saturday to present the half time draw and drum up support for her Miss North west final.

She added: "It would mean so much to me as it means I would be able to speak to more people and inspire more young people to believe in themselves and help raise more money for more charities."

To find out more and vote visit www.missengland.info/regionals/northwest.