TWO Somerset women will be representing the county at a pageant this weekend.

Dionne John and Lucy King will be heading to the Galaxy Pageant UK which takes place in Chorley.

The pageant runs from today (Friday) until Sunday.

Mrs Dionne John, who works at the Albermarle Centre, is no stranger to pageants, as this is her third time.

She said: “ I love doing pageants, it’s a fantastic way of meeting like minded ladies that want to raise money for charities. I love choosing that special dress and being up on that stage.”

Mrs Somerset was crowned Miss Charity Heart UK 2018 as well as being nominated for local community hero in Taunton last year.

“I was so taken back with all the nominations it really meant a lot," she added.

"I personally think it went to the most brave and loveliest man ever - Jim Booth. It was so amazing seeing him turn on the Christmas lights."

Dionne has now raised more than £7,000 for charities such as St Margrets Hospice and The British Heart Foundation. She said: "Raising money for these charities means so much to me it’s very close to the heart."

She will be competing for the Mrs title, while Lucy King will be competing in the Miss category.

Miss King, 20, works with her family business making outdoor furniture, where her workwear couldn’t be further from the ball gowns and glamour of pageant life.

Miss King says, as a late entry, everything has been last minute and jam packed, from dress fittings, to hair and makeup, and reading up on past queens.

She said: "I can’t believe I have been given the opportunity to compete alongside so many incredible women.

"The Galaxy system is one like no other who support women of all shapes, sizes and abilities as well as supporting amazing charities.

"It is amazing to be a part of it.

"Although I may be a late entry and new to pageants, I plan to do Somerset proud alongside the beautiful Mrs Somerset Galaxy- Dionne."