MOTHER-of-three Jo turned 40 and felt as though she was in a bit of a rut. In need of a confidence boost, she entered into a pin-up competition and was amazed with how it made her feel and insists it changed her life for the better.

Jo Bollough by day, Fifi Valentine by night, is now in the running for Miss Pin Up UK after reaching the finals of the Miss Scotland version earlier this year.

The midwife researcher from Lamancha, near West Linton, said: "I couldn't believe I had the confidence to do something like this. I was really nervous about going on stage, especially when I heard there was an underwear section, to the point where I wasn't going to go.

"But I just went for it - and I loved every minute. I just wanted to keep the experience going. I didn't want to lose the buzz it gave me.

"Pin-up is for all shapes and sizes, with the competition there is no bitchiness and everyone is so inclusive and supportive of each other. It's really empowering.

"I was a size 18, had just turned 40, had three kids, and I wasn't bored of my life but I just really needed a lift, something to boost my confidence.

"I can't tell you what it's done for me."

Jo works at the University of Edinburgh for Tommy's Charity which funds research into pregnancy problems and still births. 

She kept her entry into the pin-up competition a secret, never thinking she would get anywhere. But what started as a stab in the dark has become a passionate hobby and a way of life.

Cherry lips and petticoats are now part of her identity. 

"I've always loved the pin-up style; the winged eyeliner and the red lips. And the dresses, they're my favourite part of all this. I can't count how many fab 50s style dresses I own now.

"And I love that it shows you don't need to be 20-years-old and a size 10 to be sexy."

It takes Jo about two hours to complete the look after setting heated rollers in her hair, putting on layers of clothing from underwear, to corsets, to stockings and frocks, and applying a steady hand to the intricate make-up.

The Miss Pin Up UK competition was founded by a compere and burlesque dancer who encourages all ladies to dust of the cobwebs, channel their inner Dita von Teese, and show off their womanhood. It welcomes women of all ages, shapes, and sized who embody timeless glamour and pin-up appeal. 

Jo is now hoping to secure enough votes to send her into the finals of the contest - where she will have to perform unique talent to wow the judging panel.

"When I heard we needed a unique talent, I thought I can sing a note or dance, what am I going to do. So I thought about taking up burlesque. I've often felt out of place in dance or fitness classes, but I felt like I belonged there.

"It's amazing, I just loved it. I'm definitely going to keep it up."

Voting for the competition closes on April 28 - you can check out Jo's full profile at http://pinupuk.com/girls/fifi-valentine/