CARTERTON’S Alexandra Smith flew the flag for Oxfordshire in the final of the 2013 Miss British Beauty Curve pageant Size 18 model Alexandra took to the stage last month in a bid to boost larger women’s confidence.

The 23-year-old wasn’t placed in the final, held in Surrey, but said she hoped to do better next year.

She said: “I had a lovely time and learned a lot. I will go for Miss BBW – Miss Big Beautiful Woman – next year.

She added: “I would love to be an inspiration to big girls, to say: ‘It’s okay to be your size and you can wear what you want’.

"I haven’t always been this size. Now I’m an 18, but I still feel confident.”