A MOTHER-OF-TWO from Cwmbran has overcome her struggle with low confidence to be crowned a finalist for a UK-wide beauty pageant.

42-year-old Justine Chesterman has dedicated her position in the final to her late father who gave her his blessing to run in the pageant just before he died.

Now Mrs Chesterman must raise a minimum of £250 for her chosen charity ahead of the Beauty of the UK pageant final on Sunday, October 19.

Fitness-fan Mrs Chesterman decided to raise money for children’s charity Rays of Sunshine which aims to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

The model suffered from a lack of confidence when she was younger but said since she has started posing for the camera her self-esteem has rocketed.

Just three weeks after sending off her application she received a call saying the judges liked her pictures and wondered if she wanted to represent Torfaen.

She said: “I really love it. Now I have to raise as much money as possible for the children looked after by the charity Rays of Sunshine.

“It would mean so much to win. I’ve raised about £60 and need to hit my target of £250.”

The final of the Beauty of the UK pageant will take place at the Park Hotel in Preston, Lancaster, on October 19. Those interested in sponsoring Justine are invited to call 07941 908372.