TWO teenage beauty pageant finalists are preparing to walk in the footsteps of the Chartists after having learned about the movement at university.

Emily-Rose Forden, 19, and Emma Ahern 18, are both finalists in the Miss Cheshire competition and students at Aberystwyth University.

The pair are planning to undertake a walk of more than 20 miles from Tredegar down to Newport, following the Chartist March.

Miss Forden said: “I am a politics student at Aberystwyth University and was taught about the chartist rising in one of my modules.

“We watched Michael Sheen’s BBC 2 documentary in which he followed the chartists story.

“After becoming a finalist in the Miss Cheshire competition, I thought this would be a unique campaign to raise money and awareness.”

The walk, which will see them stopping at various Chartist sites along the way, is scheduled to last around 9 hours.

“That’s providing we don’t get lost,” said Miss Forden.

The pair’s efforts are being undertaken in support of children’s charity Variety.

Miss Forden said: “We hope to gain some support from some of the local communities along the route, to raise as much as possible for Variety children’s charity.

“We will take the bus back to Tredegar, to drive home.”

Miss Forden and Miss Ahern are both from the Cheshire town of Tarvin.

They are aiming to set off on their challenge on May 11, just two weeks before the finals of the Miss Cheshire competition.

Miss Forden said: “It is an intimidating challenge; however, I am very excited to do something for the first time about something I feel so passionately about.”

The pair are aiming to raise £200. To make a donation towards their efforts, visit justgiving.com/Emily-RoseForden