A mum from Dover has taken part in a glamorous plus-size photo shoot after entering a competition with clothing brand Scarlett & Jo.

Lynda Garrett, of Gloster Ropewalk, Aycliffe, entered the competition on Facebook and from 20,000 followers, 100 were chosen to take part in a world record challenge for the most plus-size models in one photo shoot.

It was held at Bankside, London Bridge on Saturday, April 23.

Mrs Garrett, a mum of four, and co-founder of Cherished Gowns UK, said: “It was amazing. Everyone was buzzing. We are all normal people, not professional models. Scarlett & Jo seem to have created something that makes you feel beautiful without feeling like you are making too much effort. They are just beautiful clothes.”

As part of the shoot, Mrs Garrett was able to try on a range of clothes and dresses and have her hair and make-up done.

She said the group of women have become friends on Facebook since the competition and the day was like having a “girly sleepover”.

Scarlett & Jo is a plus-size designer brand which aims to provide beautiful and flattering clothes for women of all sizes and promote the “curve appeal”.

Women from ages 17 to 62 and sizes 14 to 32 attended the event, reflecting the range of real women who wear the brand.

The competition was also held to find the new face of the brand, in association with Ms Curvaceous UK, which will be announced in a couple of weeks.

Mrs Garrett helped to run Cherished Gowns UK, a charity started in Dover, that turns wedding dresses into clothes for stillborn babies or babies who die during pregnancy.

She lost her son Thomas at 28 weeks and this tragedy inspired her to work towards setting up a bereavement room at Buckland Hospital. She stepped down from Cherished Gowns so she could fulfill this role.

As a trained counsellor, she understands the importance of having a listening ear, and also runs an online support group for families who share similar experiences.

She said: “There’s just nowhere in Dover or east Kent. If I can give something back that’s great.”

The bereavement room has already been given the go-ahead by the hospital but is now in the process of being set up.

Mrs Garrett said she expects it to open in the next month or so.