A WOMAN from Taunton has made it through to the final of the United Kingdom Galaxy Pageants.

Dionne John, who has raised more than £10,000 for charity, is competing in the finals in Chorley from November 26 until 28.

If successful, she will then compete internationally in America next summer.

As well as competing, Dionne - known as Mrs Somerset Galaxy - has also raised money for many local charities.

"Change making in my community through charity work has been a key part of my journey with Galaxy," she said.

"I been lucky enough to work with my local homeless charity Open Door and donated hundreds of items to homeless in need and also volunteered over 100 hours for the local St Margaret’s Hospice."

This year, Dionne swam 100 times at her Nuffield Health Gym to raise money for The Christie Cancer Charity.

She swam 70 miles, and raised £630.

Mrs Somerset Galaxy also donated 180 Easter eggs to the children's ward at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

READ MORE: 'Mrs Somerset Galaxy' collects scores of chocolate eggs for children in Musgrove at Easter

She has supported many local events by Go Create such as the Heart and Toad Trail openings and Taunton Pride.

She will also be supporting the festive fun in Taunton at Winterfest this weekend.

READ MORE: Winterfest returns to Taunton for Christmas 2021

“There's so much to love about the pageant system," Dionne added.

"It has really brought back my confidence and I have made so many new friends.”

Somerset County Gazette: SUCCESS: Dionne John final of the United Kingdom Galaxy Pageants

Dionne has also written a charity single featuring six other ladies which is set to be released in December.

And she has made a mini documentary with the local filmmaker, Jack Turner.

"I would like to thank all the support from my family and the local community," said Dionne.

"A special thanks goes to Izzy Stockton Bridal for being an incredible sponsor over the last four years."