DIONNE John, who holds the Mrs Somerset title, has made it through to the final of the United Kingdom Galaxy Pageants in Chorley from March 13-16.

The contest sees women of all ages, shapes and sizes from all over the UK competing.

She said: "There's so much to love about this system.

"It has really brought back my confidence and I have made so many new friends.

"It’s shown me that even now I am in my forties I can get up on stage and strut my stuff."

Dionne has used her Mrs Somerset title to make more than 170 appearances, taking over 50 donations to local charity shops, putting in more than 100 hours of volunteering for St Margaret's Hospice and collecting winter items for the homeless charity Open Door.

She has supported many local events and was a guest at the Taunton Toad launch, the Christmas light switch on at the Orchard Shopping Centre and Taunton WinterFest, as well as featuring on local radio.

Dionne was nominated as a Taunton community hero for her charity efforts, which have seen her raise more than £8,500, including a 15,000-feet skydive.