A GLAMOROUS former Pewsey Vale School student who competed in the final of a beauty pageant representing Wiltshire has been praised by judges for her enthusiasm.

Amanda Booth, 54, who was born in Marlborough and grew up in Pewsey, decided to take part in the national Galaxy Pageant after she realised ‘life is too short’ following the tragic death of her son Stuart, 30.

The grandmother-of-five now lives in Bristol and was selected as a finalist in the Ms Galaxy category created this year for unmarried women aged over 30.

She travelled to the finals at the Park Hall Hotel in Lancashire on February 4 where she competed in four stages, which included competitions in a cocktail dress, bikini and evening gown.

There was also awards for publicity queen, best hair, best interview and best smile. Despite being pipped to the post in being crowned Ms Galaxy UK, Ms Booth, a former retail manager, scooped the galaxy girl spirit award for her enthusiasm.

She said: “I had an amazing experience with the Galaxy Pageant and won an award for galaxy girl spirit. The judges said that they found I was enthusiastic and had the most energy for the build-up and the final itself.

“I had the most amazing time, everyone was so helpful, kind and we all got on so well helping each other with our outfits, hair and makeup.”

Ms Booth, whose mother Sue Lawrence lives in The Crescent, Pewsey, was left devastated after her son Stuart died seven years ago after falling out of a taxi in Bristol.

She vowed to set herself goals to achieve and come out of her comfort zone. Modelling had been one of her dreams since she was a teenager at school.

She added: “I am so happy and chuffed with myself and will definitely compete again next year.”