A semi-professional model and mother has achieved her lifetime dream of winning a national beauty pageant.

Liza Dunnell, 31, from Drayton Road in Norwich was one of the winners at Lakeside's Catwalk Model 2017 competition in the over 30s category.

The hotel manager, who has two boys aged 10 and eight, said: 'I never thought I would win. It was surreal. I was buzzing. My family and friends were really happy for me. I feel I have achieved my dream.

'There is so much more to beauty pageants. It gives you confidence because you have to walk in front of lots of people and it gives you different experiences.

'It is also fun and you can make friends through it too.

'I feel excited I won and it makes me feel proud. It is something I can show my children and they can show their children. It is something I will continue doing.'

The final was in Essex and the Norwich-born mother competed alongside more than 50 people.

As well the catwalk stage, she was interviewed by judges about her children and hobbies, including charity fundraising.

Through the pageant, Ms Dunnell, who manages Winelodge Hotel Services Apartments in Lowestoft, had the choice of supporting one of four charities.

She chose the women's refuge Changing Pathways and brought along items to help individuals supported by the charity.

Ms Dunnell embarked on her modelling career when she was 15-years-old when she represented a clothing brand for a year.

She took up the hobby again aged 20 and since then has been a model for clothing brands as well as commercial and editorial projects.

Her images are featured in magazines, some of which are international, as well as on vehicles.

She mainly does her modelling work in and around Norfolk and Suffolk, which takes up around six hours a week.

Ms Dunnell added. 'I'm busy but I love every minute of it.

'The ultimate rule is never giving up, I hope my experience will inspire all those hard working mums that don't think it's possible to follow their dreams.

'Whatever career path or dream you have, I believe that if you really want something in life then don't let anything hold you back.'

She had previously entered two pageants before winning this year.