A WOMAN with a passion for vintage fashion has reached the finals of a national style contest with a little help from her four-legged friends.

Melanie Calland, from Howden-le-Wear, near Crook, County Durham, is one of 20 finalists in Mr and Miss Vintage UK.

The 46-year-old, who only wears clothing from the 1940s and 1950s, impressed judges with her elegant style and her five equally glamorous poodles; Jet, Charlie, Coco, Dita and Bettie.

She was selected from hundreds of other entrants from across the UK and is proud to be representing mature women.

“I was over the moon when I found out I was a finalist,” said Mrs Calland, who runs Fantasia Fancy Dress Hire in Shotley Bridge.

“I don’t think the competition is about age or beauty. It is all about style and how you put outfits together. It is about celebrating vintage clothes.”

The finals will be held at the Twinwood Festival in Bedfordshire next month.

The festival, which runs from August 23 to 25, is a celebration of vintage fashion, music and dance.

For more information visit twinwoodevents.com