A REALITY star turned mum has become a finalist for this year’s competition to find Miss Essex.

Aimee Kimber, 24, was scouted through social media by Miss Great Britain representatives to be in the prestigious pageant.

If the former Ex on the Beach celebrity wins the Miss Essex title, she will have the chance of entering the contest to be crowned Miss Great Britain later in the year.

Aimee, who lives in Colchester, featured on the MTV reality show which throws former boyfriends and girlfriends together on an island, when she was 21-years-old.

Since leaving the television scene, Aimee has given birth to her son Freddie, who is now seven-months-old, and devotes herself to being a full-time mum.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Aimee said she was shocked to be approached for Miss Essex as she’s never competed in a pageant before.

However, now she is looking forward to her next challenge.

She said: “At first I was sceptical, but I spoke to my family and boyfriend who told me to go for it.”

Part of the pageant is about raising money for a chosen charity and spreading awareness about it.

Aimee has chosen to fundraise for White Ribbon - a charity which is part of a global movement to end male violence against women.

The charity works with men and boys to challenge certain male cultures which lead to harassment, abuse and violence.

Aimee said: “The charity works to stop violence against males and as a woman I think it’s a great charity as every woman wants to feel safe.

“I would love to raise more awareness and money for the charity through this pageant.

“I think this type of charity is important for women’s empowerment too as we have to stop boys being violent to us.”

Aimee will compete for the crown of Miss Essex at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on August 11.

“I have not done anything like this before, so I am quite nervous,” she added.

“Life changed a lot for me having a baby and so did my body.

“I try and work out when he is playing in the morning to get in shape ahead of the competition.”

She said being approached by the Miss Great Britain team to compete is a good opportunity and she wants to push herself by raising money for White Ribbon.

The upcoming series of Ex on the Beach will no longer air following the tragic death of Mike Thalassitis.

MTV has confirmed the 10th series of the reality show – which Mike featured in – will not be broadcast in light of his death.

Former pageant queen Annie Barter, 20, of Trinity Street, Halstead, is also a finalist in Miss Essex.

Annie, who has a daughter, Anela, endured years of traumatic experiences and mental health issues but said the contest was a chance for her to rebuild her confidence.

She is also campaigning for the White Ribbon charity.

To donate to Aimee’s fundraising campaign, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/a-kimber-violenceagainstwomenbymales.