A FORMER Miss Bury is hoping to give her fundraising efforts a kickstart at a martial arts event this month.

Chelsea Edgar, who won the title in 2013, is hoping to raise £1,000 for children's charity Variety at the Full Contact Calendar (FCC) competition at Bolton's Macron Stadium on October 17.

The 20-year-old, from Radcliffe, said: "Two years ago I raised £750 for Cancer Research UK at FCC, and was totally overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. I am confident we can raise more this time because the events since then have got bigger and better. I will be setting up a cake stall as well to help boost the donations.

"£1000 for Variety could contribute towards the cost of a sunshine coach, which provides sick, disabled, disadvantaged children, from thousands of schools and youth organisations across the UK with educational days out, school trips and opportunities."

Chelsea, who now lives in Horwich, is currently in her third year studying fine art at the University of Central Lancashire, and hopes to go into work with an animation company or as an art teacher.

She has worked with FCC, the biggest amateur mixed martial arts event in the UK, for around three years and after this month's event she will be faced with a quick turnaround to get ready for the Miss Lancashire 2015 contest the night after.

Competing against 35 other beauty queens at the grand finals in Preston on October 18, Chelsea is dreaming of going on to represent the region at Miss England.

She added: "The experience would be life changing if I won, but to say that I'm overwhelmed just to be taking part is a massive understatement.

"I am so blessed to have this opportunity and to have so many loving and kind people in my life.

"If anyone wants to compete in Miss England heats I would completely recommend it. It's the most beautiful, memorable experience and it is truly life-changing.

"Imagine being in a place where everyone builds you up and encourages you not only to be you, but the best possible version of yourself."