A WONDERMUM from the region is to star in a national billboard advertising campaign after winning a competition.

Denise Devonport, of Hall Lane Estate, Willington, County Durham, will be appearing on posters nationwide as part of Dove's new advert.

She appears alongside 69 other women from around the UK, after being nominated for the campaign when she won Asda's Bishop Auckland Wondermum search.

Ms Devonport, 36, was nominated by her 16-year-old daughter, Alana, for the accolade, awarded to the shopper who the judges deemed to be the best mother, and was then put forward for the Dove advert.

"I was gobsmacked," said Ms Devonport, who was confined to a wheelchair 11 years ago following a stroke.

"I couldn't believe it, I kept on going, 'You what? You what?' I thought it was one of the girls winding me up when I got the call.

"I don't know how it will feel to see myself on the posters."

Ms Devonport will now feature on Dove's real woman campaign billboards that will go up this week all over the country.

Susan Owens, Asda's events co-ordinator, said: "We look for personality and believe me, she's got personality."

Speaking about her mother, Alana, who hopes to join the fire service, said: "She helps people, she's a good talker - really, nobody could top her."