A TEENAGE model who has overcome a serious health problem hopes to help a cause close to her heart by becoming the face of a hair and beauty salon.

Alexandra Ellis, who was born without a wall between her heart chambers, is a finalist in Face of Hair Haus 2009, an annual competition run by the Bishop Auckland salon, which raises money for the British Heart Foundation and the Great North Air Ambulance.

The 18-year-old, from Newton Morrell, near Darlington, has undergone a series of operations.

The public will now vote for the 12 finalists, and the four girls who get the most votes will be interviewed by representatives from the salon, who will pick the winner.

The winner will receive £500 and a year-long modelling contract with the salon.

Last year, the salon raised more than £3,500 for the two charities.

Miss Ellis, who attends Carmel RC College, in Darlington, said: “When I found out it was linked to the British Heart Foundation, it really appealed to me.

“The charity’s Heart of Darlington Appeal is raising money for a heart scanner at Darlington Memorial Hospital, which is a really good thing for the town.

“I am really excited I have made the final. I am really looking forward to the competition. I hope we raise lots of money for charity. ”

To vote for Alexandra, visit hairhaus.ltd.uk/competitions.html