And as she bends down to be presented with a pink sash and crystal crown, she looks as delighted as any other young beauty queen.

But this is no ordinary contest. And as Laura explains in her elegant yellow evening gown, taking part means more to her than most.

Big girls... you ARE beautiful - Britain

Miss BBW ... winner Laura (in yellow), runner-up Tina (in black) and third-placed Dionne

The 21-year-old florist from Taunton, Somerset, has just won Britain's first plus-size beauty contest to claim the coveted Miss BBW - Big Beautiful Woman - United Kingdom 2010 title.

An infectiously cheerful, size 22 blonde, she saw off fierce competition from more than 300 other large ladies.