A Glasgow woman has joined a national beauty pageant in a bid to help survivors of domestic abuse.
Having previously been in an abusive relationship, Charlene MacLachlan signed up for Miss GB Glasgow to gain a platform and help others who have faced the same circumstances as her.
The 25-year-old, who hails from South Nitshill, said: "I have been in an abusive relationship before, and I didn't know I was in it at the time. No one really knows until it goes too far."
She continued: "I wanted to join Miss GB Glasgow to spread awareness regarding domestic abuse and women's rights. Being part of the competition gives you the chance to do charity events and spread awareness on issues that matter. It gives you a platform to help people, and that's what I want to do.
"I am not a quiet person. I won't sit back. I want to use my voice to help others."
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After applying, Charlene made it through the rounds and is now in the final of Miss GB Glasgow, which is taking place in the city this May.
"Pageants get a bad rep, but they are not the way they used to be," Charlene said.
She added: "They are all about empowering women and allowing women to support each other. It is not about looking pretty; it is about gaining confidence in who you are.
"It has been great to go through the process."
Part of Charlene's journey to the final has seen her raise money for Women's Aid UK, which supported her after getting out of the abusive relationship.
Speaking on the charity, which supports women, children, and young people experiencing domestic abuse, Charlene said: "Women's Aid really helped me on a personal level. It is a really important charity to me, and I wanted to raise money for them.
"They help so many people and are still check up on me. I am now in a great, healthy relationship and have got away from that. I am much happier now."
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Charlene has so far raised just under £600 for the charity after doing a skydive in St Andrews last weekend.
Charlene said: "I had to jump from about 10,000 feet, it was brilliant.
"I didn't even feel nervous. I got a great day for it, it was good weather."
You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking HERE
Charlene plans on undertaking another challenge in due course to raise even more money for the charity ahead of the final.
If she wins Miss GB Glasgow, Charlene will automatically be entered into Miss GB UK.
To win, Charlene must place highly in all three rounds, which judges a person's outfit, how well the clothes fit , and how confidently they walk. Finalists also have an interview with the judges on the day, and contestants work with the directors to perfect their walks.
To find out more about Miss GB UK, visit https://www.missgreatbritainofficial.co.uk/
If you or someone you know has/is experiencing domestic abuse and wants support, visit https://womensaid.org.uk/ or https://womensaid.scot/
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