OSCAR winner Dame Helen Mirren, who went to school in Westcliff, has become one of Marks & Spencer’s leading ladies.

The actress has joined the store’s autumn collections campaign alongside other famous and inspirational British women.

Dame Helen, a former pupil of St Bernard’s High School, is fronting the advertising campaign under the heading Meet Britain’s Leading Ladies, celebrating 12 British women from diverse professions.

Also featured are Nicola Adams, Olympic gold winning boxer, Monica Ali, award-winning author, ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, Tracey Emin, artist, and singer Ellie Goulding.

Dame Helen is pictured with her fellow models on a boat on the River Thames, with the iconic Tower Bridge in the background.

Shot by acclaimed fashion photographer, Annie Leibovitz, the campaign will launch nationwide on September 3.

Patrick Bousquet Chavanne, executive director, marketing and business development at M&S, said: “We wanted this campaign to signal a new tone of voice to introduce autumn.”