A WINCHESTER nurse is among finalists in an international drag beauty pageant.

Poppy Aphrodite, 25, is going to be competing in Miss Drag UK, one of the first of its kind across the country.

Poppy, who works at Basingstoke Hospital, will compete against a number of different contestants who come from all over the world.

There are three drag titles up for grabs; Miss Drag Charity where the Queen who raised the most funds for charity wins, Miss Drag Publicity where the Queen who made the most appearances in their sash and then in the final pageant night miss Drag UK will be crowned.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 29 in the Grand Burstin Hotel, Kent.

Poppy, who has been a drag for three years and started in University, said: "Part of the pageant is raising money for charity - I will be raising money for MIND LGBTQ+ and Abigail’s Footsteps.

"I did a charity sky dive which was amazing, I jumped out of a plane in full drag.

"I felt really safe while doing it and wasn't as scared as I thought I would be."

Mind are a mental health charity which also help with the LGBTQ+ community and ensure visitors go away with better mental health and feelings about themselves.

Abigail's Footsteps is a baby loss charity providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families as well as specialist bereavement training for midwives and healthcare professionals.

Poppy said she is excited for the event.

She has made appearances across the region with stints including Eastleigh Pride and theatre performances in Eastleigh - though this is her first pageant.

Poppy is hoping to raise more money in the future, she plans on doing an all day treadmill run.

Last year, one of the judges of Miss Drag UK is BBC Glow Up winner, Ellis Atlantis.