Pin-up at 56 launches fight against ageism

At the age of 56 Pearl Read is about to become a pin-up. The charity Age Concern has chosen Ms Read to launch its new billboard campaign against age discrimination with a full-frontal attack.

In a pose distinctly similar to those pioneered by Wonderbra a few years ago, Ms Read, dressed in a silky bra, proves that age is no hindrance. Her picture is accompanied by the slogan: "The first thing some people notice about her is her age - let's make age discrimination a thing of the past."

Age Concern wants the Government to introduce legislation to stop age discrimination, which it says is widespread.

Ms Read, of Wisborough Green, West Sussex, is no stranger to publicity. She is the former wife of gangland boss Joe Wilkins, jailed in 1988 for masterminding a pounds 1.4m international drug smuggling racket, and mistress of the late David Bulstrode, multi-millionaire chairman of Queen's Park Rangers. Ten years ago she was pictured topless at a society ball. Last night she said she was now leading a very quiet life.