BASINGSTOKE burlesque dancer Betsie Bardot, aka Jessica Usher, is bidding to be crowned Miss Pinup UK as she aims to reach the competition's quarter-finals.

Jessica, originally from Winklebury but now living at the Top of the Town, is looking for Facebook likes to help her secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.

If successful, Jessica will be invited to take part in the next round of the competition.

Jessica is no stranger to the competition,  originally working a stage hand for the competition before being encouraged by its creator, Rio Wild, to become one of the pinups herself.

Although excited by the prospect of entering the competition and showing her skills off in her special burlesque talent, 21-year-old Jessica was slightly apprehensive.

"I was really worried at first," Jessica explained.

"I am 21 and was nervous to what my parents might say when I first told them I was getting into this competition and into burlesque.

"But when I told my mum about the dancing she just turned around and said 'that's good exercise isn't it?' and since then she and dad have been so supportive, although they won't come to the shows.

"When I first got asked to do the competition the only experiencing of dancing that I had was doing a school play in secondary school so it's been a bit of a learning curve."

As well as being crowned Miss Pinup UK 2016, Jessica will also have a chance to win a number of other prizes including photoshoots, goody bags, shoes and clothing.

The competition was set up in 2013 and is designed to celebrate women and their special talents.

It aims to inspire, empower and support every entrant, friend and fan of the competition by encouraging women to reach for the dreams and achieve their goals in life.

And if Jessica manages to make it through to the next round, she believes her talent could make for quite contentious viewing.

"I think it's quite controversial for some people but it is fantastic that you have performers such as Rubyyy Jones whose performances are not only visually stimulating but also expressive whilst being incredibly feminist - in burlesque performers can show as much or as little as they like," Jessica added.

"When we hold burlesque nights at The Tease Bar, where there are not only dancers but cabaret acts as well, if anyone says anything vulgar you are kicked straight out - it's all about respect for the performer so they feel comfortable."

To vote for Jessica visit her Betsie Bardot page on pinupuk.com/girls/betsie-bardot/.

Voting closes on April 28 and winners of this round will be announced on April 30.