A Kirkby Lonsdale businesswoman who reached the final of a beauty pageant was placed in the top three and was second runner up in the Classic contest open to women aged 45 and over.

At the final of Miss Great Britain Classic, Victoria Dodd was also chosen to compete in the Top 20 beach body and won ‘best in interview’ and ‘highest charity fundraiser.’

Mother of Madison, 23 and Oscar, 13, Victoria said: “I was lucky enough to make it to the final 65 women to compete after 3000 entries. I was placed in Classic (over 45’s) with I think about 15 other Classic ladies.

“Back in May I decided to say yes to a photoshoot in Majorca with Charlotte Clemie, Miss GB photographer, and submitted my photos to Miss GB Beach Body Side Award.

Victoria Dodd (right) with other beauty contestants at the Miss GB Classic Final. Victoria came in the top 3 contestants.

placeholder image — Victoria Dodd (right) with other beauty contestants at the Miss GB Classic Final. Victoria came in the top 3 contestants.

"When I found out a few weeks before the final that I had made it into the Top 20 I was overwhelmed as I never expected that at 53 and I shed a tear.

"I had been coached on how to walk and have presence on the catwalk and interview technique by Jess Page, a previous Miss Great Britain winner.

"Nothing can prepare you for the thrilling feeling when you are backstage, the X Factor Music comes on and then you are given the nod to walk out pose and do your walk, my bottom lip wouldn’t stop shaking! Another fellow contestant’s legs wouldn’t stop either, we laughed about it together.

"They say do something that scares you to improve your confidence. It was the most uncomfortable situation I think ever been in and I’ve had a few!”

Victoria Dodd in one of her outfits at the beauty pageant.

Victoria moved to Morecambe from Poulton-le-Fylde at 17. She attended Ripley St Thomas CE High School sixth form.

At 19, she joined the advertising staff at Lancaster and Morecambe Newspapers and later worked for South Lakeland Caravans, helping the business to expand into Barbados.

Victoria, who is married to Nick, is now a business investor, especially supporting those run by women.

One particularly close to her heart, after suffering menopause symptoms herself, is my meno which provides bespoke menopausal treatment plans.

Victoria Dodd was a finalist in the Ms GB Classic pageant.

She said: “I would like to spend more time investing in women and get great pleasure out of making the unseen, seen, giving them the power of the choice.

“I would like to reinvest in Miss Great Britain by recruiting more Classic ladies into the contest as it’s helped me turn my life around gaining more confidence.

“I would also like see a blue plaque placed where the Super Swim Stadium stood in memory of the magnificent pool and where the Miss Great Britain Competition began and was staged for many years.”