Cary woman finalist in PETA contest

Fifty-two-year-old Cary resident Linda Jean Smith is among the finalists in PETA's sexiest vegetarian over 50 contest.

The organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, received hundreds of entries from across the United States for the contest, and has narrowed the field to 10 men and 10 women, according to a press release from PETA.

Smith said she became a vegetarian two years ago for animals and for her health. She said her vegetarian diet helped her ease into menopause, and helped her to lose a few unwanted pounds.

"[I] just had my physical done this spring, and my health is better now than when I was in my 40s," she said.

Smith's image and a short bio about her appears at www.PETAPrime.org, as do those of the other competitors. Visitors to the site can help choose the winners, one male and one female. Winners – each of whom will receive an organic food gift basket from Vegan Divine – will be announced Aug. 24.