A PROFESSIONAL mermaid has outlined her dream of becoming Miss Great Britain having scooped the town's biggest pageantry prize.

Grace Page, of Crossways in Woodley, overcame tough opposition to be crowned Miss Reading on May 19 this year.

Despite running her own business, whereby she performs as a fully flippered mermaid at children's parties, the 24 year-old has set her sights on nationwide success.

“Becoming Miss Reading was fantastic and just having the chance to enter Miss Great Britain is an honour,” said Miss Page.

“There are three main heats: Miss Bikini Body, Miss Charity and Miss Talent.”

Although the bikini round has a certain Butlins-in-the-'50s feel to it, the former Sainsbury's employee is adamant that the competition provides a perception breaking platform.

“I am blonde and I have certain assets, so I am used to people thinking about me in a particular way.

“I intend to change people's minds. The competition is as much about working for charitable causes and displaying your talent as it is about looking good in a bikini.”

Miss Reading's talent, as a qualified free diver and former student of music performance at Reading College, will be of the singing mermaid variety.

Her charity however, is of a slightly more serious nature.

“I want to raise funds and awareness for Berkshire Women's Aid,” said Miss Page, who has a personal connection with the organisation.

“I honestly believe they helped me to get where I am today.

“I am in a loving and rewarding relationship now, I'm successfully running my own company and I'm getting to represent my home town in Miss Great Britain!”

On September 23 Miss Page will travel to Leicester where she will compete in the Miss Great Britain finals.

To find out how you can support her, go to www.facebook.com/GraceLPage