A YOUNG Weymouth beauty queen is trading in her crown for a rucksack to help homeless people in the town.

Darcy Lane, 11, is embarking on a charity challenge, which is inspired by national charity The Rucksack Project.

As reported in the Echo, Darcy has been competing in pageants for six months and has competed in international competitions to raise money for charity.

Darcy’s mum, Sara Lane, is fully behind her daughter’s goal and said: “Darcy was very touched by the story about the Rucksack Project that she heard at a recent pageant. One of the main parts of competing in pageants is raising awareness and funds for various charities as well as volunteering on the local community.”

The Rucksack Project was founded by Matthew White and aims to provide full rucksacks of warm clothing, sleeping bags and provisions for the homeless.

Darcy is now running her own donations drive in Weymouth for the organisation, and said: “We are asking the local community to donate items from the list and we will be taking out rucksacks to the homeless leading up to Christmas. I am thrilled to be part of it.”

Darcy has already raised £800 this year for charities including the Rainbow Child Foundation, Weldmar Hospice and Dream Queens, taking part in everything from extreme abseiling, cake sales and even soap making.

Darcy is asking for donations to help the project. These include rucksacks, sleeping bags, men and women’s underwear and socks, waterproof coats or jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, jumpers, trousers, t-shirts, basic first aid kits (with no sharp objects), packets of soup, thermos flasks and more.

Mrs Lane added: “We have set up a Facebook page to post updates and progress. We would really appreciate it if the local community can pull together for this project.”

There will be a drop-off point for donations at Vibrant You in 64 Park Street, Weymouth. To donate, please call Sara on 07968 010203.