'Standing in my pants was not something I thought I would ever do'... Woman once taunted about her body crowned plus size model of the year

• Lizzie Haines spent teenage years embarrassed by her body
  
• Beats 400 other hopefuls in annual 'Star in a Bra' modelling competition
• Has since appeared in catalogues and on the catwalk
• 'It is a real level of acceptance', she says
  

By Sadie Whitelocks
Updated: 12:06 EST, 9 January 2012

As a teenager she was demoralised by cruel taunts about her body.

But today Lizzie Haines, 31, is happy to showcase her curves after being crowned plus size model of the year by lingerie firm Curvy Kate.

The self-employed wedding photographer, beat 400 other hopefuls in the annual 'Star in a Bra' competition and has since been parading her size 14 body and 32H bust down the catwalk. 

5ft 4.5in Lizzie felt 'fat and frumpy' because of her large bust and as a result resorted to wearing baggy clothes

For years, 5ft 4.5in Lizzie felt 'fat and frumpy' because of her large bust and resorted to wearing baggy clothes.

As she approached her thirtieth birthday she finally decided to confront her hangups and entered the national modelling competition 'on a whim'.

To her surprise she scooped first place with 64,000 votes, and was awarded the Plus Size Model of the Year award at the 100 per cent people Plus Size Awards 2011.

Lizzie, 31, from Uppingham, in Rutland, revelling in her recent achievements, said: 'At 31, it is a real level of acceptance.

Transformation: Now with a newfound confidence Lizzie has modelled at shows in Paris and across the UK

'I entered the competition on a whim last year. It was a turning 30 crazy act. I just thought what the heck, I'll go for it. It's been really great.

'To begin with it was really surreal. Standing in your pants was not something I thought I would ever do.'

Since school Lizzie had been embarrassed by curvaceous figure, which attracted unwanted attention.

She said: 'I was a later bloomer. When my boobs came in, boy did they come in. There is a sort of stigma. It seems acceptable that people can talk about your boobs.

'People would yell at me in the street. I was brought to tears. It can be really destructive.

'There is a fine line. I have never dressed provocatively. I never showed off my cleavage. Most of the time I got attention I was covered up.

'The clothes I had to wear did not fit well. Everything hung from my boobs, which made me feel really fat and frumpy.'

Now with a newfound confidence Lizzie has modelled at shows in Paris and across the UK, wearing a selection of revealing designs.

She has just finished shooting the new winter catalogue and has been recruited as a judge and mentor with the lingerie firm this year.

Lizzie, who lives with her boyfriend of two years Alex, 29, said: 'The level of acceptance I have got comes with age. I have had a massive turn about but I struggled when I was a teenager.

'I wouldn't walk with my back straight because it looked like I was showing off my boobs and being arrogant so instead I slumped and walked with my arms across my chest.'

To keep in shape Lizzie enjoys swimming but never diets because it makes her 'miserable' and she loves food too much.

Lizzie added: 'I have no idea where it will take me but 2011 has been a year of highs.'