A "DOMESTIC goddess" from Oakley proved that she is one of Britain's brightest people, by finishing second in a national quiz.

Sheila Trott, 73, is a life member of Basingstoke Ladies Choir and was one of 10 singers who took part in Saturday's BBC quiz Test The Nation, which was shown live on television.

The women were drafted in to make up the Domestic Goddess team, competing against others including estate agents, examiners and football supporters. Teams were quizzed in the studio, and people at home could also take part.

Bright spark Sheila (pictured) was just pipped to the top spot on the night. She had hoped to get through the evening without drawing attention to herself but her high score meant host Phillip Schofield singled her out.

She said: "I was hoping not to be picked on at all, but I did my best to get the questions right for myself as well as the team.

"It was very tense because you only have 20 seconds to answer, and you have to read the question and answers in that time."

Sheila told Phillip the secret of her success was simple - she always keeps up to date with current affairs.

She said: "He asked me where I got all my information from and I told him everywhere. I'm interested in everything and anything. I read newspapers and books and have always felt that I am a fountain of useless information.

"I belong to the WI, which gives me a good amount of education, and am also in the WRVS.

"I think the more you do, the more information you pick up."