A BEAUTY contest finalist is preparing for a half marathon - showing there is more to the pageant than glamour.

Becky Nelson of Lanchester, County Durham, who is in the running for Miss Sunderland 2015, would qualify for Miss England if she clinches the title.

The 23-year-old will take part in the CTS half marathon in Bamburgh, Northumberland, in aid of Miss England’s charity Beauty with a Purpose.

She said “The purpose of the Miss England’s charity is to help disadvantaged people around the world. The contest is not just about beauty.”

Miss Nelson trained as a contemporary dancer, completing a degree at Newcastle College two years ago.

Since then she has put on a number of contemporary dance performances with friends and more recently has got involved in the fitness industry.

Miss Nelson works at the Shaping Futures gym in Durham City, running ballet fitness classes and personal training sessions.

She said: “I had a bit of a health scare last year. After that I made my mind up to make the best of every opportunity I got - I am going for anything that comes my way.

“Last year I met the current Miss Sunderland at the opening ceremony of the Great North Run and started talking about taking part in the contest. I got the contacts and everything went from there.

“Taking part in the CTS half marathon will give me something meaningful to do at the same time.”

Miss Nelson will be running with her friend Stephanie Morgan, 30, of Durham, on February 28.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor her can visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/rebeccanelson1.