A BEAUTY queen from Bournemouth is set to make a splash for her latest pageant assignment in Africa.

Emily Kishere, the reigning Miss Dorset, has been chosen as one of 12 finalists who will compete for the title of Miss Scuba UK – a beauty pageant for divers being held in Egypt next month.

However, the 23-year-old admitted she has never been diving before, but is looking forward to the challenge regardless.

“The closest thing I have done to it in the past is putting on some goggles and dipping my head in the water,” she added.

“But this is an absolutely incredible once in a lifetime opportunity for me.”

Chosen on the basis of a written application and two photographs she submitted to competition organisers, Emily will be undertaking her Professional Association of Diving Instructors license alongside the other contestants, while staying in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna.

The contenders will then take on a series of challenges, including the chance to show off their sporting prowess and being the star of a photo shoot.

The winner can look forward to going on to represent their country in the world finals, which will be hosted in Malaysia, and the new Miss Scuba will undertake a year of ocean conservation campaigns – an aspect of the contest which is motivating Emily.

“I am so excited to be a in a position to raise awareness of our beautiful oceans and sea life whilst competing in such a prestigious contest,” she added.

Emily said she is still undecided on what direction to take her career in, but has always been inspired by 26-year-old sister Holly, who is currently working in California as a model.

More recently she has undertaken a diploma in childcare and worked as a nanny between doing photo shoots and modelling work.

The contest begins on April 26 and runs until May 4.