MISS Accrington is as proud as punch of her new title.

"When I got the email telling me I was Miss Accrington I laughed and thought 'what am I going to do, go out with an Accrington Stanley flag and a Holland's pie?" says Mel Brydon. "I'm very proud of it though," she says, and plans to link up with the town's football club which her family has such a close association with. "As much as Accrington is not a very exciting title I am proud of it. My grandad, dad and uncle played for Accrington Stanley, my grandad was the manager of the youth team and named my dad Stanley after the club and my uncle Jack who died last year, there's a trophy in his name," says the 27-year-old, who will now take part in the UK final of the Miss Galaxy pageant in February.

Mel, who's single and lives with her parents in Clayton-le-Moors, also intends to use her title to promote her passion for helping people with mental health problems.

She's currently a support worker for adults with learning disabilities at The Base in Great Harwood.

"Mental health and disabilities are my interests, my work is my life really," she said.

On Saturday, June 27, a fun day is being held at her workplace for members of the public and she intends to be there wearing her new Miss Accrington sash for the first time.

If she wins the February competition where she will parade in evening dress, daywear and a bikini she will then take part in the Miss Galaxy World pageant in Orlando, Florida.

Although the former air hostess has modelled and done fashion shows for years, including glamour modelling, it was a complete surprise when she realised she'd been entered for the pageant by her friend. "Tori Smith entered me, she's from Clitheroe but she's living in Dorset now and is Miss Dorset," she said. "It's all been done online so far, it was all a bit of fun," she said.