ROSS mum of eight, Catherine Williams, was named 'Most Inspiring Competitor' in the inaugural beauty competition, Miss Galaxy Universe UK competition at the NEC. This new competition mixes strength and beauty.

The 44 year old super mum from Ledbury Road has always been interested in fitness – she even continued running until she was eight months pregnant and has been a keen full-contact kickboxer for several years, training several nights a week. She decided to enter the Miss Galaxy competition because: "I wanted to try something different," she told the Gazette. The competition is the brainchild of an ex-Bond stunt woman – who describes it as a 'cross between Miss World and GI Jane'.

Catherine was one of 45 women across Britain to take part in the Miss Galaxy Universe UK competition, some in their fifties. The pageant included several fitness tests as well as a swimwear and evening wear section.

Her fitness regime would be punishing for most of us however Catherine isn't about to give up yet. "it makes me feel young and energetic and helps get rid of stresses and gets me out of the house."