Let $$AB$$ be a diameter of a circle $$\omega$$ and let $$C$$ be a point on $$\omega$$, different from $$A$$ and $$B$$. The perpendicular from $$C$$ intersects $$AB$$ at $$D$$ and $$\omega$$ at $$E(\neq C)$$. The circle with centre at $$C$$ and radius $$CD$$ intersects $$\omega$$ at $$P$$ and $$Q$$. If the perimeter of the triangle $$PEQ$$ is $$24$$, find the length of the side $$PQ$$.