For Sophie Kyei-Donkoh, there is more to competing at this year's Ms British Beauty Curve pageant than meets the eye.

The 33-year-old from Hackbridge wants to show people that no matter how old you are or what you look like, nothing is out of reach.

"To be honest, when I first entered the competition I was feeling quite down and unconfident," she said.

"Then something popped up on my social media and it all went from there.

"About five months went by and they said I was in, which came as a shock because by then I'd forgotten I'd entered."

Since that day where she found out the good news, Ms Kyei-Donkoh has been spreading her message of empowerment all over town.

"The pageant aims to encourage women with curvier figures to follow their dreams and show the world that diversity is divine," she said.

"But it's not just about the curves.

"It's about empowering women of all ages, whatever shape or size they are, to feel confident within themselves."

The pageant takes place on August 4 at the Hazlitt Theatre in Kent, so she has plenty of time to prepare herself for what may well be a life-changing experience.

"I entered this competition because I want every woman to feel beautiful, unique and confident no matter what they look like,"the 33-year-old said.

"I've learned to love and cherish my lumps, bumps and imperfections.

"Not that I'm particularly old, but to be at this stage of your life and achieve something like this has made me so excited."