A 57-YEAR-OLD Alveston woman has won a beauty pageant in India.

Shelley Reice represented the UK in the over 40's event in Delhi last month.

It was her second time competing on the international stage, following an appearance in Turkey, and she has now won both times.

Shelley took home the Classic Beauty World International title following a week-long pageant with ten other women from around the world.

As well as being judged in various outfits, including a national costume made by Gail Chaplain from Beespoke Thornbury, there was a talent round as well as questions from the judges.

Shelley's latest success marks a remarkable rise since she entered her first competition four years ago.

As well as picking up numerous awards since she has raised more than £5,000 for various charities.

"I have become quite immersed in that community and hopefully inspired and empowered women of my age," said Shelley, an entrepreneur who runs a cleaning business, is a complex care worker and teaches fitness classes.

"It's not just about turning up of stage and what you look like. We have gone away from that now it's about what you do in society and what you can do for other people.

"I would recommend it. If you had said to me 10 years ago this is what I was going to be doing I would have said 'no way' but you do get the bug a little bit.

"I am still in good contact with the girls from the competition, you really do make lifelong friends all over the globe.

"You get this platform and you can really make a difference."