A woman from Bushey will be representing the UK in the Ms Plus Size Universe beauty pageant later this month.

Yvonne Chantale Cardoso of Mill Way was crowned Ms British Beauty Curve 2014 in July.

The 41-year-old will be taking part in the competition, which takes place in Trinidad and Tobago, along with 23 others, all representing different countries.

She said: "It was a wonderful feeling winning Ms British Beauty Curve and it's an honour to represent the country in the pageant in Trinadad and Tobago. I'm really excited about it."

The pageant will involve preliminary stages, which include, swimwear, eveningwear, talent performance, interview and national costume.

Mrs Cardoso, who is a size 16, added: "Being a curvy woman in this day and age can be hard as many think of it as obesity.

"I would like to thank my sponsors for their support. They include, Lady Anna, Sandstorm, Beauty retreat, Models of diversity, Nicoll, Danceflavours, Bohemian entertainment and Lady amarise.

"My husband will also be there too, supporting me, as well as being a guest performer."

Mrs Cardoso's husband, Francis Alejandro Cardoso, who appeared on the 2010 series of Britain’s Got Talent, will be holding dance workshops for the contestants.