Ex-Dudley carer proud to be Ms Great Britain finalist at 62

Deborah Robbins Giles, aged 62, says following the tragic death of her mum, Pauline Robbins, in 1995, she spent 14 years as a carer for her elderly relatives.

Deborah says it wasn't glamorous - so when she saw the Ms Great Britain Classic pageant was taking applications, she decided to go for it with support from husband Paul Robbins Giles, aged 64.

After being accepted last year, but sadly not being able to compete due to ill health, she was taken on as a finalist again this year in the classic division and hopes to beat the competition and take home the title.

Deborah Robbins Giles, aged 62, a finalist in the Ms Great Britain pageant. Pic: SWNS

Deborah, a retired ambulance dispatcher, said: "I'm loving the glam as I was a carer for 14 years so glam was the last thing on my mind while looking after older people.

"I was only in my 30s when my mum passed away - I'm an only child and my mum really was my best friend, it was a terrible experience.

"When I was in my teens we used to watch it on the TV, if she's looking down she'll be over the moon whether I'm in the top three or not.

"That's why I'm doing it really is for my mum - people say it's so inspirational."

Deborah first entered the beauty pageant in 2023 after spotting an advert which suggested older women could also enter.

She decided to take the leap after caring for others - wanting to put herself first and experience some glamour.

Deborah Robbins Giles, aged 62, has been enjoying the glamour of taking part. Pic: SWNS

Deborah says she was also influenced to enter by the pageant's fundraising ties to Cancer Research - a cause she says is close to her heart.

Sadly, after developing the "100-day cough" last year she was unable to compete but she applied again and was accepted this year.

Now she says she's focusing on raising money for charities associated with the competition - Cancer Research, Alex's Wish and Bowel Babe.

Deborah says it's been a "different world" allowing her to focus on herself and build her confidence - and she reckons all older ladies should enter.

"All older ladies should put in for it really," Deborah said.

"It builds your confidence, it was a completely different world for me to get on a nice dress and get my hair done.

"When you're caring for two old people you put your life on hold, you don't matter so much - there's a pecking order and you're right at the bottom of it.

"It's allowed me to focus on myself, because I'm raising funds it's a double bonus for me."