PLUS-sized beauties from Essex could be in with a chance of being crowned Miss Voluptuous UK.

Applications have opened for the third year of the beauty contest, which encourages women typically excluded from mainstream pageants, to put their world vision on a platform.

Founder Natalie Moloney, who grew up in Clacton, has also widened the net to crown a winner from each England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The businesswoman said: “With female empowerment and body positivity hot in the media right now, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to promote national pride among the unsung heroes of the UK.

“I’ve had no applicants from Essex yet though and would love to see some beautiful plus-sized ladies from my home county flying the flag for England.”

Click here for details on how to enter.