A woman who works closely with domestic violence victims wants to use her platform at a pageant final for good.

‘Complete novice’ Victoria McCarthy will brace the stage of Britain’s longest-running beauty contest this week.

The 34-year-old from Eastleigh is hoping to take the crown at Miss Great Britain, while also shining a light on her work.

She said: “I have been working with victims of domestic abuse for 12 years. I thought I would give this subject a platform and use my voice further to make more of an impact.

“I applied online, and I was successful at that stage, then I had an interview with the directors.

“I have never done pageants before, and I did not know how far pageants have evolved. It is fully female, diverse and inclusive.”

Victoria McCarthy from Eastleigh is a finalist in Miss Great Britain and hopes to shine a light on domestic abuse (Image: Victoria McCarthy) Victoria used to watch pageant shows on TV when she was younger, but never considered entering one herself.

“I love glam and dressing up, but I was bullied for more looks when I was younger, so I have never done this – or a catwalk – in my life”, she said.

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She added: “But this pageant is very much not about physical appearance, it is more about who you are as a woman and what you give back to the community, and the impact you make, rather than your beauty.

“This is a great platform for me as I really want to continue raising awareness of domestic violence, locally and nationally.

“I remember watching pageants when I was a child as they were a really big thing back in the 90s and early 2000s.

“I had no idea about what it entailed though, and I am a feminist, so I was really, really pleased to see how pageants have evolved.”

Victoria met fellow contestants at a workshop, where she learnt about the process of the pageant, and most importantly, winning.

She said: “The show includes taking part in interviews with a panel of judges and modelling in a fashion show.

“The final is on Friday, and I am really excited.”

Victoria will take to the Miss Great Britain stage on October 18, where a Miss Great Britain, Ms Great Britain, and Ms Great Britain Classic will be crowned.