A BARRHEAD mum is aiming to raise hundreds of pounds for seriously-ill children after reaching the final of a beauty contest.

Louise Gribbin will be competing in the National Treasure Beauty Pageant next month.

Each finalist will be raising cash for the Make a Wish Foundation and, as part of the contest, 33-year-old Louise will be quizzed on why she wanted to be involved and what the charity means to her.

She has also had to organise a fundraising event as part of the competition and has decided to stage a ladies night at Fereneze Golf Club.

Despite being a beauty therapist and owning her own business, called Priadara Amberle, mum-of-two Louise said the chance to be glamorous is a rarity for her.

She told the Barrhead News: “I’m usually very natural and don’t apply loads of make-up, so it will be nice to get all glammed up.

“I wanted to do this because it’s for charity. I have done stuff before for Cancer Research and Guide Dogs for the Blind but, with having two children of my own, I thought it would be nice to do this for Make a Wish, which is an amazing cause for kids who are really poorly.

“I think my kids will enjoy watching me up there and will have a good laugh.”

Louise, of Kelvin Drive, is hoping to raise £500 from the ladies night, which takes place on Friday, June 2.

The beauty pageant is being staged at the GoGlasgow Urban Hotel on Sunday, June 25, and will include a Scottish section in which each contestant must wear something which represents the country.

The final part of the competition will see each finalist take centre stage in a ball-gown.

The Make a Wish Foundation aims to make the dreams of terminally-ill and disabled children come true, from starring in their own film to enjoying the holiday of a lifetime.

You can find out more about the charity by visiting www.make-a-wish.org.uk.