A PAGEANT queen is donating £19,000 to children's charities in South Wales, including £4,000 to The Sparkle Appeal.

Miss Wales, Bethany Harris from Rogerstone, is making the donations ahead of flying to China next month to take part in the annual Miss World contest.

Sparkle is a local charity that funds the Serennu Children's Centre in Rogerstone, which offers support and care for children with disabilities or development difficulties and their families.

The charity aims to provide children with the tools and confidence to reach their full potential, helping more than 250 people each week, and is close to Miss Wales' heart, as she based her social care A-Level studies on their work.

The money, which was raised by the 2018 Miss Wales finalists for the Miss World foundation, Beauty With A Purpose, which helps disadvantaged children around the world.

Sparkle Chair of Trustees, Sarah Telford, said: "We were delighted to have Bethany come to visit Sparkle’s Little Stars parent & toddler group and Youth Club at Serennu Children’s Centre.

"We are extremely thankful to Beauty with a Purpose for their kind donation and we wish Bethany all the best in the Miss World finals."

Miss Wales also gave £10,000 to Dreams & Wishes, which aims to build happy memories for seriously ill children, and £5,000 to Oshi's World, which works towards creating accessible social, sensory and play spaces for disabled children and their friends.

As part of her Beauty with a Purpose tour, the 20-year-old has visited children's charities in South Wales to present the money.

"Getting ready for Miss World has been a bit of a whirlwind and slightly overwhelming at times, but these visits have made me recognise what is important in life," said Ms Harris.

"Beauty With A Purpose is the key principle behind the Miss World event and to meet the charities we have been able to support here in Wales has been especially rewarding."

Ms Harris is one of 130 women taking part in Miss World, which includes a four-week stay in China where she will sightsee, attend charity events, and take part in the Miss World fast track shows: Top Model, Talent, Multi Media, Sport, Beauty with A Purpose, and the new head to head challenges.

To follow Ms Harris' progress, search for @MissWorldWales on Facebook