A mum from Swanscombe is hoping to become the next Miss Pinup UK.

Abigail Gibson, 34, of Gunn Road, is a frontrunner in this year’s contest and is counting on local support to push her through to the finals.

She entered last year and made it through to the quarter-finals but has returned a year later with more confidence than ever.

The aspiring model and burlesque performer used to struggle with low self-esteem but with a growing confidence has become an advocate for women of all shapes and sizes.

She said: “I was nervous, worried how I would be judged if I had done what I truly wanted to. I have anxiety and was bullied at school for being a geek, wearing glasses, not being cool or for not being too skinny.

“I have always been interested in the style and look of the 1940s and 1950s and found that if I did my hair in funny little styles and wore one of those circle dresses then people would instead of looking at me like ‘She’s a big girl’, would compliment me on how lovely I looked.”

Abigail’s body-confidence issues stayed with her through raising two children, but the competition has helped her to create new friendships and a lasting self-belief that she hopes will help her bring the crown home.

Miss Pinup is a celebration of all women and an inclusive competition for all ages and sizes.

As well as confidence, the competition offers prizes of clothing, shoes and sponsored photo-shoots.

Abigail will be heading to the quarter-finals on Sunday, July 24, and with some extra support hopes to reach the finals, which will take place on stage at the London Tattoo Convention in September.