A YATE pensioner who describes herself as a Hells Angel on her mobility scooter is in the running to be named the country’s most colourful character.

Dilys Frampton, 88, has seen off competition from across the South West region to win the McCarthy and Stone competition and has been shortlisted as one of three regional finalists.

Dilys, who lives in Yate, thinks her fly-by-night attitude and zest for life will help her to stand out from the crowd and impress the judges.

“I love Sudoku, I love going shopping and I always ride my scooter into town – I’ve been told I’m a bit of a Hells Angel on it,” she said.

“I go to drawing nights and game nights at the development where I live, and I also enjoy playing skittles.

“I love singing, giving cuddles and I think it’s important to laugh a lot and not take life too seriously.”

A judging panel, including TV personality Arlene Phillips, will now choose their regional winner who will be awarded a £100 experience vouchers. They will then go forward to the national final where nine colourful characters will go head-to-head in a public vote on Facebook.

As well as carrying the title of the Nation’s Most Colourful Character 2016, the overall winner will also receive a trip of a lifetime courtesy of Saga Holidays.

Debby Pavitt, from McCarthy and Stone South West, said: “We meet colourful characters at our developments every day and want to highlight that life doesn’t end when you retire - it can be just as much fun, if not more.

“Retirees today are redefining what it means to grow old. They are independent, active individuals who are seeking new experiences and fulfilling lifelong ambitions, which is why we’re looking forward to rewarding our winner with a trip of lifetime.”

Retirement housebuilder McCarthy and Stone, which has a new development in Chipping Sodbury, will announce the regional winner June 20. The national winner will be selected in August 2016.