A MOTHER-of-two is proving that being a parent is no barrier after being chosen to represent St Helens in a beauty pageant.

Jade Murphy, 31, only entered the Miss Inspiration UK competition after she was persuaded by her fiancé Anthony Burrows.

However, the casual application led to a pleasant surprise when Jade received a reply telling her she had reached the next stage and was asked to participate in national stage of the pageant.

Jade, who lives in Haydock, had been selected to represent St Helens in the event’s national final which takes place in Newport next March, much to her disbelief.

“After seeing the advert Anthony said I should apply so I sent some photographs to them.

“And they just got back to me and they said they want me to represent St Helens.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all. After having children you just think something like this won’t be possible.”

Jade, an art teacher, will compete for the national crown next March at the Dolman Theatre, in Newport.

She is competing in the 30+ category and will have the support of fiancé Anthony and children Tristan, six and Tigerlilly, one.

“I’m very excited about it and at 31 you don’t expect to be in a competition like this!

“When I go on the day I’ll have an interview and three rounds wearing different dresses,” added Jade, who currently works as an in-house supply teacher at Penketh High School, in Warrington.