A 27-year-old who struggled with her weight has picked up first prize at a fitness and modelling competition.

Amy-Claire Short, who lives in Borehamwood, won the Miss Galaxy Universe competition – despite previously “crash dieting” because of her insecurities.

The 27-year-old, who works as a digital marketer, said: “Everybody goes through those type of psychological downers at some point in their life.

“I think for me it was just that I set myself a task, and achieved something I never dreamt I’d achieve.”

More than 100 people entered the competition, which was held over two days at Crawley Athletics Club and The Hawth Theatre.

Contestants were required to complete various tasks including a 800m run and press-ups, and were then assessed visually on stage.

In the four months before the event, she spent six days a week training and held a specialist high protein diet plan, but said she struggled to cut out crisps and chocolate.

Ms Short added: “My parents still remind me that I had my hand over my mouth for the majority of the celebrations. I still can’t even speak properly when talking about it.”

Ms Short is now considering competing in another fitness model competition, Fit Factor, after being hand-picked by its organisers, Fit Body Promotions.