Readers of The Argus could help Zoe Ball win Strictly Come Dancing, says the star's mother.

Julia Peckham says one more push from the people of Sussex could ensure Zoe is crowned belle of the ball at the final on Saturday.

The Argus has been urging everyone to vote for Zoe and her dance partner Ian Waite.

Mrs Peckham, 56, thanked readers for their support, which has taken Zoe and Ian to the final.

She has sent The Argus posters backing Zoe and Ian to family as far away as Cumbria, where she spends much of her time when she is not at home in Brighton.

The Argus launched a campaign last Thursday calling on readers to vote for Zoe, who lives in Hove with DJ husband Norman Cook and four-year-old son Woody.

Mrs Peckham said: "When they said the votes had gone up from one million to two on Saturday, I thought that extra million must be from Sussex thanks to The Argus.

"I've taken some of The Argus posters up to friends in Burgess Hill and my stepdaughter there draped a Vote Zoe poster on her daughter's pram when she collected her son from school yesterday.

"I've sent posters up to Barnsley, where Zoe's uncle Colin Robins lives, and to Cumbria as well. A cousin up there is putting one up on his tractor and we're thinking of having one strapped to his sheep when he takes them to market.

"She does have support up there. I was walking there the other day when a tractor pulled up beside me. The farmer opened the door and said 'I'm voting for Zoe'."

Mrs Peckham only remembers Zoe attending three ballet classes when she was five years old.

She said: "I think she was probably all right but it's hard to tell because she was so young. She was much more interested in boys' stuff - clambering up trees, that sort of thing. She was a tomboy."

Mrs Peckham was already a fan of the show when Zoe asked her what she thought about her taking part. She told her to go for it.

Mrs Peckham said: "What mum would say no to the chance of learning a skill for life and dancing with a Latin American dance champion? It was a fantastic opportunity."

Mrs Peckham has watched her daughter perform live in London on four occasions.

She said: "I was surprised and absolutely delighted when I saw her come out and sweep down the stairs in that red dress looking so gorgeous.

"I was so tense watching it there live. Luckily we recorded it so when we came home I could watch it again.

"She has worked incredibly hard, improved so much and is loving it. She's a great dancer and deserves to win."

Zoe and Ian were down to the final two to be evicted from the reality show last Saturday.

But her public votes outnumbered those of celebrity chef James Martin, ensuring Zoe would be in the final against athlete Colin Jackson and cricketer Darren Gough.

Vote for Zoe and Ian to win by calling 0901 121 4012.