A MUM who was once a Grid Girl for Formula One driver David Coulthard is hoping for a podium-winning performance in her own title race.

Former Dinas Powys resident Rebecca Anderson will represent Cardiff when she competes with 30 UK contestants for the Ms Galaxy UK 2016 title at the Park Hall hotel, Lancashire, on February 4.

The 34-year-old mum-of-three will aim for victory in the 30 plus category with the hope of progressing to the international pageant - held in the USA later this year.

The former Albert Primary and St Cyres student said she had applied to take part in the competition because she enjoyed embracing challenges and doing interesting things in life.

The daredevil mum has bungee jumped and skydived and she works as a supporting artist, in the role of a nurse, in the long-running BBC TV series Casualty.

Ms Anderson, who now lives in Barry, said she was looking forward to raising money for the Christie Charity having attended fetes, visited old peoples’ homes, and raised funds during her year-long Carnival reign.

She said: “I sent my picture off and they said they would like me to represent Cardiff. I was really pleased and excited and a bit nervous as well.”

Ms Anderson will take part in four rounds – an opening round wearing a gold or silver dress, a swimwear round, a fashion round involving an outfit intended to reflect each contestant’s personality and an evening dress round.

Contestants will also face an interview from the judges.

She said: “My family and friends think it’s quite cool. I like doing different things. Last year I did a bungee jump and a skydive. It’s nice doing things for charity as well. It makes you feel good.”

Ms Anderson, who is sponsored by Beamrite Aerials, in Cardiff, has also been put forward for the Miss Popularity competition with members of public entitled to vote until it closes on February 3.

The winner of Ms Galaxy UK 2016 will be flown to Orlando, Florida, in the summer of 2016 to compete in the world famous Ms Galaxy International Pageant with contestants from all over the world.

To vote for Ms Anderson in the Miss Popularity competition, like her photograph on the United Kingdom Galaxy Pageants Facebook page.