A plus-size mum is determined to banish the bullies when she bids to be crowned Miss British Beauty Curve 2017.

Emma Head, a size 22, was announced as Miss Maidstone Curve in January and now has her sights set on the national title.

The hairdressing student from Gillingham had suffered from the taunts of cruel people who branded her “fatty” and “chubber”, but then decided to flaunt her larger figure.

She said: “I have always been a big girl. I was bullied while at school and even now walking down the street or when I am on a night out I will get called names.

“If a man comes up to me at the bar I think the only reason they are coming to talk to me is because of a bet with their friend.”

Ferndale Road resident Emma, 25, will go up against the rest of the regional finalists at the Hazlitt Theatre on August 5 and take part in four rounds of competitions.

The mother-of-two, whose parents live in Bearsted, will be required to take part in a swimwear round as well as a glitz and glamour segment during the summer pageant.

She said: “I am a single mum, a college student and I have never had any confidence.

“This year I thought I needed to change the way I am. I tried dieting but then thought why should I try being something that I’m not?

“I was crowned Miss Maidstone after I applied three months ago. When I found out I was at college and I cried.”

Emma admitted preparing for the pageant has been hard work.

She said: “I have an 18-month-old son and a four-year-old son and I study at Mid Kent College. My family are so supportive though.

“I am still looking for sponsors because the dresses are very expensive. There are not a lot of places selling plus size clothes that aren’t frumpy.

“I am a size 22 so I have to buy everything online and then if I don’t like it I have to send it back.”