A WYRE Forest beauty queen will be hosting a charity ball this weekend to help raise funds for disadvantaged children.

Sophie Blundell, from Stourport, has organised the event at the Velvet Lounge in Worcester, on Saturday (February 10) from 8pm.

The 23-year-old is looking to raise money and awareness for the Miss England charity ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ which supports disadvantaged children across the world.

Saturday’s event will be a cocktail-style event, complete with red carpet, live music, a DJ and raffle, and all proceeds will go to the charity.

Sophie is bidding to become Miss England later this year – having become Miss Wyre Forest in November – with the semi-finals due to take place in July.

The former cruise ship entertainer is currently a self-employed gymnastics coach and often volunteers at the disability sessions for children at Wyre Forest Gymnastics Club.

Since becoming Miss Wyre Forest, she has taken part in a white ribbon walk to raise awareness for domestic violence, donated sleeping bags to Birmingham Homeless outreach and becoming a Wyre Forest Nightstop volunteer.

Sophie is also planning a sky dive to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

She said: “The Miss England contest goes beyond beauty and is an amazing platform to empower others. All the girls support one another.

“The heart of the pageant is about raising money for the Beauty with a Purpose charity, which was created by Julia Morley in 1972.

“Hundreds of millions of pounds have been raised and donated to local and international organisations to aid disadvantaged children globally.

“Being an ambassador for your area is a result of winning a title, this has not only helped with many girls’ confidence, but also to share our empowerment outside of the contest too.

“I can confidently say every woman within this pageant family is passionate and intelligent - we have girls completing masters and PHD's, as well as so many successful careers.

“Miss England is truly breaking the stereotype of beauty pageants.”

She added: “"I want to empower others and show beauty does come from within. In this day and age, we’re all obsessed with image and impressing people from our social media accounts which piles a lot of pressure on ourselves.

“I wants to inspire others that you don't have to be a certain size or way to achieve your dreams.”

Tickets for the ball cost £8 are can be booked by emailing misswyreforest@gmail.com or calling 07539 077380.