A LOCAL woman has been strutting down catwalks to reach the finals of the Miss Plus Size International competition 2013.

Ally Woodward of Pentre Cwrt has beaten off competition from 1,100 plus sized beauties from all over the world to become one of 25 finalists in the competition.

The 27 year-old, who currently works for a charity, while studying for a degree in environmental management, is the only woman from Wales to take part in the finals in London on November 23.

Ally said: “MPSI is a competition for plus size women to showcase their confidence, beauty and personality.

“Things have moved very quickly for me, I feel very blessed with the support I have received from all over the country.”

The finals include catwalks in swimwear, casual and evening wear, and Ally has been offered clothing and accessories from the Julien Macdonald Star range at Debenhams.

She also caught the eye of designers at Very and recently went up to their headquarters in Liverpool for in house modelling and the opportunity to select clothing from their new autumn winter ranges for the finals.

Ally added: “Although I would love to come home with a crown and a modelling contract, I feel like I have already won. The people I have met and opportunities I have been given have given me a lifetime of memories already – anything extra is a bonus!

“I want to use my place in the finals of the competition to reach out to other plus size women. You are stronger than you think, and capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Your beauty is not defined by your weight, but your strengths and weaknesses, family, friends and what you choose to do with your life.

“Do not let the media’s obsession with weight distort your self-belief. Women deserve to feel beautiful, loved and happy – and that must start from within.”