A SWINDON beauty queen will fly to Texas to represent Europe in the final of an international contest.

Hannah Golding, from West Swindon, who currently holds the title of Young European International Queen of Queens, will compete against entrants from across the globe at the Young American Miss International and Young Miss International pageant alongside team Europe on June 27 in Houston.

The 30-year-old said: “I’m very excited to fly the flag for Swindon and Wiltshire. I went to Texas last year to compete in the same competition. It was only eight weeks after giving birth, so it was a bit challenging, but it was an amazing experience.”

The young mum started competing in pageants when she was 21 years-old and was first crowned in 2011 as Miss Swindon.

“I saw an advert in the paper and at that time I wanted to get my confidence up as I was in an emotionally controlling relationship,” said Hannah.

“I continued, because for me it was very different from being a personal trainer or a mum. In beauty pageants you get to wear different dresses and I love this. I’ve taken part in about 20 contests over the last nine years.

“Through pageantry you find that inner confidence and learn so much about yourself, supported by a sisterhood of fellow pageant girls who have gone through similar experiences and have your back all the way.”

Hannah will be joined by her best friends Georgia Holmes, from Calne, who was crowned Young European International Mrs.

Both won their titles in November last year and have been busy helping out in the community and at different events like Swindon Mela and most recently the Swindon Duck Race.

“To compete in such a big pageant is amazing but to do it alongside your best friend is such a good feeling,” said Georgia,

“Before being crowned Young European International Mrs, I raised just over £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s society, in memory of my Nan, through running events and charity cupcake days, and I will be hoping to bring back an international crown to continue that work.”

Hannah added: “I’m competing for Ms and Georgia Mrs as she is married. It’s two different categories so we are not competing against each other. But for our friendship, we will never do that anyway.

“Georgia and I became best friends through competing, all the way back in 2012 and it’s amazing we could have a chance of bringing the international crowns back to Wiltshire.”

To follow their journey, visit the Young European International Pageant Facebook page.