SANDRA CROMACK says she spent the first 20 years of her life growing up, the next 20 raising her own children and the following 20 working.

But at the age of 61 she has now embarked on the next phase of her life, a busy retirement.

To prepare for this rite of passage the former departmental secretary at Huddersfield University, who was widowed eight years ago, entered our Precis Petite make-over competition and wrote: “I would like to look classy, classic and be inspiring to other women of my age who may also be starting out on this exciting journey.

“All women, whatever their age or status deserve to be the best that they can and this competition is a wonderful opportunity to kick start that belief for whoever is lucky enough to win it.”

Sandra, who lives in Hill Top, Slaithwaite, was delighted when we chose her letter and offered her the prize £100 of clothes from the new Precis Petite collection at Peters, Moda in Pelle shoes up to the value of £75, hairstyling by the in-store Mark Riley salon and full make-up.

“I never win anything,” she said, “it’s fantastic.”

Sandra, who has two children and five grandchildren, says she is looking forward to her retirement and has already signed up for voluntary work.

“I lost my husband Paul eight years ago, quite suddenly, and I was devastated. It’s taken me a long time to pull myself together,” she said, “but I now feel positive about my life and where it is leading me.”

Tragically, Paul, who was Sandra’s second husband, died from a heart attack while on a walking holiday in Scotland. He was just 57.

“We were only married for 12 years but they were good years and I do feel grateful for that,” said Sandra.

A major factor in Sandra’s recovery has been her membership of a new church community in Milnsbridge. “It is non-denominational, we are just Christians,” she explained.

“A friend of mine who belongs to the church invited me to a barbecue last year and I met all these wonderful, warm and welcoming people.

“I have been going to the church ever since and have got a whole new group of friends.”

The Grace Community Church, she says, offers her the type of fellowship that she needed to rebuild her life.

Today Sandra is a volunteer steward at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, an administrator for the United Churches Healing Ministry in Milnsbridge, and a helper at the Cuckoo’s Nest charity shop in Marsden.

“And I’m willing to do more, I’m just waiting to see what turns up,” she said.

For the prize make-over we took Sandra to Peters where we picked out a selection of classic outfits for her to model for our photographer. Then it was off to meet hair stylist Barbara (Bea) Conneely.

“Sandra has quite fine hair,” said Bea, “so some layers will give it a fuller look and take the weight from the ends.”

Sandra didn’t want to lose too much length but agreed that giving her hair more body at the roots and lifting it from her face would create a more modern look.

We thought the resulting bob, set with large Velcro rollers, was both flattering and anti-ageing. Sandra agreed. “And I’ll be able to look after it myself,” she said.

Next stop was Boots, where Elizabeth Arden consultant Harriet Stenhouse, gave Sandra a spring make-over. Because Sandra has quite dry skin, Harriet used both the super-moisturising Ceramide range of skin care and Plump Perfect make-up, a cream formula ideal for ageing skin.

Sandra says she can’t bear to leave home without mascara, tinted moisturiser and blusher but never wears eye shadow because she’s unsure how to use it.

Harriet suggested two shades of green eye shadow to enhance Sandra’s blue eyes and complement the outfits she was modelling. The look was fresh and pretty.

“I’d say that if you use quite bright eye colours you should stick to neutral lip colours,” said Harriet, who chose a sheer, neutral lip colour, Sweet Blush Sheer, for Sandra.

Back at Peters, Sandra modelled her three outfits – a lightweight fitted spring coat, brilliant apple green tailored jacket with smart black trousers, and a crisp ruffle-front shirt.

A slender size 10 and only 5ft tall, Sandra says she often struggles to find clothes to fit. The Precis Petite range caters specially for women 5ft 3ins and under.

“I love the way the coat gives me a curvy shape,” said Sandra, “and I absolutely love the green jacket, it’s really special.

“The shirt is something that I never would have chosen but I think it looks great and it feels comfortable.”

To complement the outfits Sandra wore a pair of high-heeled Moda in Pelle court shoes.

“They’re much higher than anything I’d usually wear but they are gorgeous,” she added.

Sandra, who has two children and five grandchildren, says she is looking forward to her retirement and has already signed up for voluntary work.

With her make-over complete, Sandra said she felt as if her appearance now matches her new outlook on life. “Spring is a fantastic time for new beginnings,” she added.