A GWENT beauty helped raise £5,000 for terminally-ill children over the past six months and was involved in a special trip to Lapland just before Christmas.

Miss Gwent, Alexandra Morgan, 23, of Clevedon Road, Beechwood, Newport first got involved with the Joshua Foundation in the summer as it is the adopted charity of the Miss Wales and Miss UK competitions.

It exists to provide holidays and experiences for children diagnosed with terminal cancer and their families.

Miss Morgan said: "All contestants in the Miss Wales competition had to raise money for the charity, so I organised a summer ball. But it went so well and was so rewarding I just carried on.

"I organised Halloween and Christmas parties, but the best part for me was seeing all the kids in Lapland, they were all so happy, it was the best experience."

The trip to Lapland on December 14 involved children meeting Santa, driving snowmobiles and riding in sleighs drawn by reindeer and huskies.

Of the £5,000 she helped collect, £1,000 was raised from a Christmas ball at St Mellons Golf Club that Miss Morgan hosted.

This involved an auction of sporting memorabilia including a signed Joe Calzaghe boxing glove and Brazil football shirt signed by Pele.

Originally from Llanellen, Abergavenny she was a finalist in Miss Wales but was unable to take part in Miss UK because of a family illness.

After spending three months travelling, Miss Morgan is to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Her ambition is to open a speech and drama school for children.