Gene Culley may not be your usual idea of a model.

But the 70-year-old has just been picked from hundreds of entrants to represent the UK in Avon's global photographic project celebrating women around the world.

Residents in Gene's home village Childrey, near Wantage, often see her dressed as a bunnygirl.

Brandishing a collecting tin she has collected several thousand pounds over the years for her favourite charity - The League of Friends of Wantage Hospital - wearing fishnets and suspenders.

But Gene also manages to find the time to be an Avon lady between working for various charities and looking after her husband of 51 years, six children and 13 grand- children.

Kim Fernihough, of Avon, said: "Beauty Without Boundaries recognises women who make a difference to their families, friends, colleagues and communities and encourages people to consider wider perceptions of beauty. Gene is special because she makes a difference to the world around her, not just by being beautiful, clever or charming, but by being a woman and showing her beauty within."

Gene is being whisked to London on an all-expenses paid trip as a prize.

But she has not been fazed by all the fuss and attention being lavished on her. She never has a moment to spare and is always on the look-out for a new hobby or job. She said: "When the children went to school I started work as a lab technician and found it so fascinating I stayed for 12 years. I decided too late I wanted to be a career woman.

"But when I retired I fancied doing something else so I started selling Avon products 18 months ago from home. It's been so successful my husband has had to give me a hand.

"It's great because there are not many jobs you can still do aged 70."

But she didn't win the award because of her marketing skills.

The judges were impressed by her endless charity work which has included sponsored walks, runs, fundraising and working voluntarily at the hospital's coffee shop.

"It certainly keeps me busy," said Gene, who is still looking to take on more charity work. "I'm always game for a laugh and making others happy makes me happy."

Until recently she also worked at the local playgroup. "I loved it because it was different to playing with your own children. I had time and wasn't always worrying about all the other jobs that needed to be done. It was very enjoyable.

"Kids keep me young, refresh me and stop me getting bored."

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