A LAMANCHA mum has reached the Miss Pin Up UK semi-finals in London.

41-year-old Jo Bullough suffered a nervous breakdown in late 2015, but has since turned her life around, and is now heading to the city to represent the Borders and promote body-positive messages.

The semi-finals and final of Miss Pin-Up UK, a nationwide competition, now in its third year, celebrates all women, regardless of age or size.

The competition takes place on Friday, September 23, at the London Tattoo Convention.

Jo told the Peeblesshire News: "I had a nervous breakdown at the end of last year and spent January in a psychiatric hospital. When I was there, I did some serious self-evaluation and realised that I needed to start working on my self-esteem and thinking more positively. I needed a channel for my inner confidence and an outlet which would support the body-positive message which I wanted to get out there. 

"Having long been interested in vintage clothing and Pin up style, I decided to enter Miss Pin Up UK after reaching the finals of Miss Scottish Pin Up earlier in the year. 

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to represent plus-size women in the Miss Pin Up UK competition and will be using the event to promote a message of inclusivity and body-positivity, which I feel pin-up style embraces so well. I'm staying London for three nights and friends who live there are coming to support me.

"My family and friends are delighted to see the positive impact entering this competition has had on me over the last six months. My mental health has improved tremendously and my confidence has soared. They were so proud of me when I won the Scottish quarter finals and was picked to go to the next stage in London.

"I have a lot of people to thank for the many hours spent shopping, choosing outfits with me and proof-reading my speeches!"

Of the 20 girls participating, only 8 will be chosen to compete in the final on Saturday, where the eventual winner will be crowned. 

The competition allows models to create a stage name and Jo explained why she picked hers.

She added: "I chose Fifi because it's a diminutive version of my real name (Josephine) and Valentine because I wear my heart on my sleeve!"

Miss Pin Up UK is the brainchild of Louise Rio Wild, who runs allaboutpinup.com. The competition celebrates all women, regardless of age or size.

This year, it has expanded to include Miss Pin Up International and Hairy Rascal, a competition for men with facial hair. 

Quarter-finalists are chosen via an online voting system, and five quarter-finals are held around the UK before the semi-finals and finals at the London Tattoo Convention. 

Prizes include shoes, clothing, hair accessories and photoshoots from sponsors.