Shimmering in the sea, the mystic beauty of mermaids has always captivated an eccentric Canterbury fashion student.

Now, throwing caution to the fin, Oceana Pullen is set to make her dreams come true by representing Kent in the Miss Mermaid UK finals in September.

The 24-year-old says she has always felt drawn to the mythical creatures made famous by stories, ancient folklore and Hollywood films like Splash.

“It changes me when I am in the water,” she said.

“I feel so glamorous, but it is quite difficult swimming with the tail on.

“I have always felt an affinity to mermaids and loved The Little Mermaid as a child but it was after going to a training camp that I really thought I would like to do this full-time.

“The camp teaches you to swim under water with a tail and to hold your breath under water.”

After the camp, Oceana, who now lives in Faversham and works in the clothing section at Asda, was selected for the finals after being placed as a wildcard entrant.

The former Ashford college fashion student now has a summer full of events, including an appearance at Whitstable Harbour Day and last weekend’s Oyster Festival.

She is also hosting an afternoon tea and is joining in with two beach cleans at Pegwell Bay as part of the pageantry before the UK finals.

Oceana, who attended The Canterbury Steiner School in Chartham, will use two costumes - a walkable one and another which she uses to swim in.

Proud mum Carol, of Garlinge Green, says her daughter has taken to swimming in the sea like a mermaid to water. “Oceana put her tail on just swam with it,” she said.

“I was very impressed as it was the first time she had it on.”

Mrs Pullen, who has two younger children, says Oceana also has a mermaid cousin.

She said: “Her cousin Shelley is also a mermaid and that is her real name, as is Oceana’s!”