Jessica Thackwray, who is also a successful Irish dancer, was told she would never become a successful model because photographers were only interested in "skinny girls".

But the 17-year-old, who wears size 12 clothes, has beaten 19 others to the title of Miss Leeds – and she will now compete in the Miss England semi-finals in June.

Jessica, of Yeadon, said: "I didn't think I'd win the competition because I'm not a size zero. When I did, one of other girls turned round and said: "I can't believe you've won because you're fat".

"Those comments do knock my confidence and make me feel as though I should lose weight. But I don't mind because I'm happy how I am. I get more compliments than insults anyway."

Current Miss England Georgia Horsley, 20, crowned Jessica at a special ceremony at Leeds's Hilton Hotel.

Jessica's prize includes a professional photo shoot and a place in the Miss England semi-finals where 40 girls fight for the 10 final places.

If Jessica, who was chosen by an online voting competition, becomes the new Miss England at the final in London, it will take her through to the Miss World contest.

Jessica said: "I'd love to get through but I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't, because all the other girls are so stunning.

"Hopefully this will lead to more commercial modelling."

Single Jessica, who turns 18 next week, is studying for a BTEC in Musical Theatre at Leeds College of Music.

And the buxom teenager, who aims to be a star of the West End stage, is also a classical singer competed in the 2004 and 2006 Irish Dance Championships.

Miss England contest organiser Angie Beasley, herself the 1987 Miss Leeds Metro, said: "Miss England is not just your average beauty contest. The girls have to be talented and good people as well as being photogenic.

"I voted for Jessica as she seems to have all these qualities."