A YOUNG Cumbrian woman has reached the semi-finals of a competition to appear as a calendar model and wants to use the opportunity to promote body positivity.

Emma Howorth, from Ambleside, has been shortlisted for the UK Calendar Girls competition and is hoping to reach the next stage in the competition.

“I wanted to use this opportunity to try and reach out to women who might be struggling with mental health or body image issues and just say that I have been there,” said Ms Howorth.

“I have had the lowest of low days, I still do! But as easy it is for me to say, you truly are perfect just the way you are.

“I would love for a born and bred Cumbrian like myself to get to the final but I need help getting there!”

Ms Howorth has so far managed to reach the top 200 selected for the semi-final from over a thousand applicants, 80 women will continue to the final.

“I’ve had so much support already,” said the 27-year-old.

“It’s nice to feel content with how I am at the moment. I’m not the modelling type, I’m not blonde, I’m not skinny, I’ve got tattoos.

“I guess it means anyone can do it. The way society makes you think you should look a certain way, just don’t listen to it.”

Ms Howorth expressed how the experience had changed her previous perceptions of the industry.

“There were women of all body sizes and I was quite shocked, it was really nice,” she said.

To vote text UKCG 135 to 81400. 30 per cent of call proceeds go to the Chestnut Appeal for prostate cancer, and Mental Health Awareness.