For her perseverance and selfless acts of community service, dazzlingly dressed, Joan Dismont took the title of Glamour Granny 2008, yesterday.

The competition, sponsored by Bermuda Senior Islanders' Centre, had seven contestants and was met by a packed St. Paul's Centennial Hall of seniors who came out to support their favourite granny.

Each contestant was required to submit their names, age, hobbies and what they were wearing in advance and a panel of three judges, Ruth Thomas, Webster Tucker and John Dale judged them on their dress, poise and originality.

The competition started 12 years ago through by a partnership between Westmeath Nursing Home and Island Wide Social.

Director Fredrick Hassell said: "We wanted to put on a diversity activity to acknowledge the more gorgeous ladies in the group and to bring everyone together to socialise and have fun."

Mrs. Dismont said of her win: "This was just great! I do a lot of good things and I look at this as one form of my payback."

The Pembroke resident, who will be celebrating her 79 birthday on Monday, says she enjoys singing, dancing, tennis, ping-pong, reading, and helping others — her most treasured extra curricular activity, however is walking.

"I am the only participant who has walked the End to End every year since it started and I plan on continuing the walk until I turn 80," she added "I enjoy helping people and I keep myself very active."

She said she is heavily involved with Meals on Wheels, National Trust, YouthNet, Pembroke Community Centre, Senior's Learning Centre and the Somerset Stage Group.

Mrs. Dismont also says one of her greatest achievements, is receiving her Teacher's Assistant degree in Childcare from Bermuda College at the age of 70.

"I am a part of a family of 10 children, I wasn't able to finish school. When this opportunity came up I was determined to get my degree and did what ever it took."

The winner received a gift basket from BGA, a gift basket from Hamilton Pharmacy, $100 gift certificate from Market Place, a sports bag from Meyer Franklin travel and two bottles of sparkling grape juice.

Glamours Granny first runner up was Mrs. Idena Gonsalves age 77 and second runner up was Mrs. Amanda L. Broadley age 66.