CHARITIES and supporters have been rallying around Miss Cumbria Lauren Sweeney as she prepares for the regional finals of the beauty contest this weekend.

Since being crowned Miss Cumbria in March, Lauren has been working to help a string of local charities, including Eden Valley Hospice, Hospice at Home and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Her charity work has also included completing the Gelt Gladiator for Eden Mind and walking around Talkin Tarn 10 times for Papyrus, the young suicide prevention charity.

Some of those Lauren has helped are backing her as she gears up for the northern semi-finals of Miss England in Burnley this weekend.

Text votes will help determine the result so ‘Vote Lauren’ posters have been produced by Vanessa and Lana Brown of VL Aesthetics, who are working with her on an initiative to help disadvantaged women and victims of domestic violence.

Vanessa, managing director of the Carlisle health and wellbeing company, said: “Lauren is amazing. She has a heart of gold and has been giving all her time to help so many good causes locally, so we wanted to do our bit to boost her chances.”

Also joining in was Janice Grieves, of Brampton’s Hairport salon, and friend Sara Goodchild, who were grateful for Lauren’s support for their recent Big Wig Ball, which raised over £8,000 for facilities for teenagers and young adults at Jigsaw - Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

Janice said: “ Lauren because is an inspiration to young girls.”