A Thurrock activist who stood as a past Labour council candidate has made it through to the final of a "curvy model" competition.

Thirty-one year old mum, Ella Vine, from Chafford Hundred, was told she had been selected for the final of a curvy model competition for a fashion company Scarlett & Jo last week.

The company is seeking new models for its new fashion range and have stockists in a number of outlets, like House of Fraser and Evans in Lakeside.

Ms Vine, who is also a former Polish junior chess champion as well as having stood for election in Stanford-le-Hope last year, said the news came as a "surprise."

She said: "It was a surprise, as I have never done anything like that before and have been in the middle of struggling with a chronic health condition with fibromyalgia and M.E. symptoms.

"Regardless of the result the message is that all women, of all shapes, sizes and walks of life are beautiful, both inside and outside.

"I want to inspire all women in Thurrock to celebrate their inner beauty, uniqueness and internal strength and to encourage men to appreciate the women around them."