Isha Crosdale has seen first hand the stigma attached to plus size women competing in beauty pageants.

The 36-year-old mother from New Addington first got a taste of it when she finished second in the Miss British Beauty Curve competition last year.

But with three daughters who look up to her, she isn't letting a few harsh words get her down.

She has decided to once again throw her hat in the ring and prove to the world that you should be proud of yourself, no matter what shape or size you are.

"The pageant I'm doing is a curve one, so all the ladies are plus size," she said.

"Last year I really saw the stigma that people have for these kinds of shows.

"I want to raise awareness for curvy people and be that role model for my daughters."

But it isn't all about raising awareness.

She is in it to win it.

"I've got the buzz," she said.

"I came so close last year and thought why not do it again."

Mrs Crosdale's months-long campaign has got off to a rocky start with a fractured ankle proving a setback.

But with her sister Samara Telesford by her side, she is confident of going all the way this time around.

"She really pushed me to get into this," Mrs Crosdale said.

"Samara is also competing in one of the categories and she has been coaching me on how to walk, what to wear and has really just been there for me the whole way."

In the lead-up to the event later this year, the 36-year-old will be going to schools and community events to help spread her message of self-empowerment.