A MUM has been signed up to an American media agency - three months after she entered a beauty contest on a whim.

Mike Villia and his Gig Star company will now represent Shany Hagan, from Rawcliffe, after he spotted her story on The Press’ website.

Shany, 48, was contacted by the media boss, who will now bid to sign her up to adverts, TV shows and films both in the UK and across the pond.

“He saw the story on Google and contacted me to tell me about his agency in Colorado,” explained Shany, who used to work three jobs as she brought up her son.

“He told me how he was interested in getting me work in television and adverts, and possibly work in England because of his contacts in this country.

“He saw my story online and thought it was wonderful and wants to be my agent.

“I didn’t think it was real at first - I thought it was a wind up - but I looked into it and he is legitimate!”

Shany has experience of working in front of the camera as an extra on the ITV soap Emmerdale, but hopes this opportunity will prove to be her big break after deciding to enter the Face of the World competition in November and beating 3,000 applicants to represent the UK.

She went up against women from the United States, Nepal, Philippines, India and Italy throughout a day of competing, which also saw her take part in a day of photoshoots and interviews with judges.

She admits the last three months have been a whirlwind as she embraces her new life and prepares to take part in a number of other contests in 2018, some of which could take her across the globe.

“I’m still pinching myself about this,” she added.

“Opportunities don’t really come around like this.

“Stars in England struggle to get agents in America, so for him to contact me like he did is brilliant.

“I’ve gone from having three jobs to having an agent in America.”

After taking part in Face of the World, places in competitions started to flood in and the Shany is now taking part in Miss Galaxy, Miss Inspiration, Miss Crown and Glory and Top Model 2018.

First up in 2018 is the Miss Galaxy competition in March, with the global final held in Orlando, Florida.