TWO Halesowen beauties are gearing up for fundraising challenges as part of their bid to become Miss Birmingham.

Students Samantha Rostron and Rachael Healey have won through to next month’s 40-strong final.

One of the challenges they have to complete is fundraising for Beauty with a Purpose, which supports disadvantaged children around the world.

Samantha, aged 16, an A-level student at Windsor High School, is stepping out on Monday (February 16) to do a 3.6 mile high heel walk from her home to Hagley Hall and hopes to raise £150.

Lord Cobham has agreed to sponsor her and has invited her into the hall for a reception. She is also being sponsored by My Sister Closet, Stourbridge High Street.

Samantha said: “If I win I would like to use the title to stand up for charities and help to change the beauty stereotypes.”

Rachael, aged 23, who is studying British sign language and media communications at Wolverhampton University while working as a shop assistant at Bon Marche, Merry Hill, hopes to raise up to £300 with a sponsored sky dive.

The girls have to design Eco dresses for the final on March 15, with Samantha making a dress laden with old buttons, bows and ties, while Rachael has picked a media theme, creating a dress from negatives, to link with her passion for photography.

The pair were spotted by Miss England organisers when they visited the Birmingham Clothes Show and made it through an interview round to reach the finals.

Rachael said she was “shocked” to be chosen and added: “If I win Miss Birmingham I will carry on my charity work for Beauty with a Purpose and also help others with learning difficulties like me, as I am a person who loves to help others and to go the extra mile.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Rachael can do so at virginmoney.com/rachaelelizabethhealey or Samantha at virginmoneygiving.com/samantharostron