A TRIO of young women are aiming to represent Basingstoke and their country on an international stage.

Hannah Davis, Georgina Lawrence and Hannah Hunter are all competing in individual beauty pageants with the opportunity to challenge for a global crown.

The current Young European Mrs International Hampshire, 27-year-old Hannah Davis will be competing for the Young European Mrs International title in November, Georgina will take part in the United Kingdom Rose Pageant in September and Hannah Hunter is representing Hampshire in the Mrs division of 2019 Galaxy Pageants.

Ms Davis said: “I love competing in pageants for so many reasons. They are about women empowering each other, inspiring each other and doing good in the world -as cliche as that sounds.

“I hope to inspire girls to do what they are passionate about and to enjoy life no matter what other people might think.

“This year I will be stronger, braver, kinder, unstoppable. This year I will be fierce.”

For 17-year-old Georgina, who has raised more than £1,000 for charity so far, getting involved in beauty pageants has had a positive impact on her life.

She said: “I have gained so many friends who have become friends for life. To me it’s not about winning the crown as I have gained so much experience, confidence, friends and skills.”

Self-employed mum-of-two Ms Hunter has been competing in pageants for the last 10 years and said they have helped her become a more confident person.

“Pageants are not about being full of yourself or thinking you are better than others,” added the 28-year-old.

“They are about helping your community, putting your all into helping others and the importance of working hard to achieve what you want in life.”

If all successful in their respective pageants, each of the trio will have the chance to go for crowns on the international stage.