AN ABERCARN mum is looking forward to a trip across the Atlantic after being named Miss Galaxy Wales.

Lydia Yhnell, 28, beat off competition from other finalists to scoop the title at a ceremony in Lancashire and will now go on to compete in the Galaxy International Pageant in Orlando in July.

Miss Yhnell, who lives with her partner, Gareth Pugh, 29, and their 14-month-old daughter Lacey, said: “I entered the competition a couple of months ago. I have a little girl who is one and this is the only one you can enter if you have a child.”

Miss Yhnell, who works as an examinations assistant at Coleg Gwent in Cross Keys and is also a self-employed fashion designer, competed in four rounds including interview, introduction, runway, fashion wear and evening wear and scooped best in interview, best in fashion wear, best in evening wear and best smile, along with the overall title.

Holly Ikin, director of UK Galaxy Pageants who organised the competition, said: “I am very excited for Lydia and her year ahead, I know that she is going to be a great ambassador for Wales.

“Lydia follows in the footsteps of Jamie-Lee Williams, who won last year and went on to win Miss Galaxy International in Chicago last summer. Jamie-Lee has been a fantastic Miss Galaxy Wales and I know Lydia will continue with her good work.

“They are both lovely girls and have proven that they are beautiful inside and out.”