A BEAUTY queen from Darlington is hoping 2019 will bring her success in a national competition.

Rebecca Jane Everson, 32, was crowned Ms Darlington Galaxy three months ago, and will bid to be named Ms Galaxy UK in the finals, held in March in Preston.

"I am super nervous for the final," she said. "I can’t thank them enough for the experience and meeting the other Galaxy girls is so wonderful."

Since her win, Ms Everson, who works as a sales and marketing specialist, has thrown herself into charity work.

She has supported Zoe’s Place and Daisy Chain in Middlesbrough, County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust charity, and Darlington Town Mission.

She also slept rough at Darlington Mowden Park as part of the CEO sleepout to help raise awareness and funds for homelessness and poverty in Darlington.

Ms Everson, who is sponsored by Leggs Fashion in Skinnergate, Darlington, said: “Being part of the Galaxy pageant is absolutely amazing. I didn’t know that there was a pageant for ladies my age until I met the current Miss Galaxy Scotland at Miss Great Britain this year.

"I applied the following month and didn’t think for one second I would be crowned. To my surprise here I am the current Ms Darlington Galaxy.

"The run up the final is hard work, but it is so rewarding being part of such an amazing pageant. Being able to be part of the local charities is overwhelming.

"I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing and I absolutely love every second of it."

The chosen charity of the Galaxy Pageant is The Christie in Manchester, a leading expert charity in cancer care, research, treatment and education.

Ms Everson raised more than £300 at a Leggs Christmas Cracker event and is doing a tower run for the charity in February.

To donate to the cause, see www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Jane-Everson1?utm_id=27.

Anyone who would like to support her fundraising can contact her on email at rebecca.jane.everson@gmail.com.