A WREXHAM-born woman is hoping for success at a national mermaid competition after gaining regional success at a competition in Anglesey.

Originally from Wrexham, but now living in Gobowen, Jenni Hall will compete in the national finals of Miss Mermaid UK at The Royal Berkshire Conference Centre

The competition involves a dynamic underwater swim, a submerged photoshoot, creating an 'eco' outfit and a talent performance – all whilst raising money for Sea Shepard UK, an international marine wildlife conservation organisation.

Jeni, who describes herself as a water-baby through and through’, was recently awarded the title of Miss Mermaid Anglesey at the regional competition.

She said: “I have always been a water baby, and I find myself most comforted when near - or under -the water. I started SCUBA diving around six years ago, desperate for the opportunity to swim with sharks, and I have since worked my way up to becoming a PADI Divemaster, with the help of Anglesey Divers along the way.

“I love the ocean and everything within it and taking part in Miss Mermaid UK presents the fin-tastic opportunity to help raise vital funds for Sea Shepherd UK.”

The marine mammal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue is a member of the Performance Mermaids Pod group, who perform in aquariums across the UK.

In September 2018, Jeni entered the Miss Mermaid United Kingdom competition as a last-minute contestant, having only one week to prepare. She represented Wrexham and came out as runner up for Miss Mermaid Wales.

Jeni – also known as her mermaid persona Seren - will be sponsored by Cadair View Lodge - a log cabin and group accommodation provider in Snowdonia National Park during her mission to be crowned as the country’s top mermaid this year.

Jeni wishes to use this platform to teach, inform and encourage others to take care of their planet.

She said: “With the in-water experience I've gained over the past year, and the confidence I gained from taking part last year - I wanted to give it another try for 2019. The winner of the competition will compete in Egypt in the International Final 2020.

“I was eager to represent Anglesey in the Miss Mermaid final having spent so much time in it's waters, looking after it's creatures in the Sea Zoo and because of Anglesey's plastic-free status awarded by Surfers Against Sewage earlier this year - the first county in the UK to receive this recognition.”

Over the last few years, Jeni has created a dementia-friendly shopping time in a local supermarket, fundraised for Blood Bikes Wales and completed a tandem skydive raising over £1,000 for the D-814 Craig Steadman RNLI Inshore Lifeboat in Barmouth; presenting the cheque in an underwater exchange.

This lifeboat was named in memory of her stepbrother, who had been a member of the Holyhead RNLI Crew.

Jeni is currently raising money, with her fellow mermaids, for Sea Shepard UK and each donation of £5 or more on her JustGiving page will be entered to win a pair of RibRide tickets for a Bridges and Swellies trip which usually retails at £50.

You can find Jenni’s page here - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeni-hall-mermaid-2019.