An Ipswich woman says it was the ‘best moment of her life’ when she was crowned Ms British Beauty Curve 2017.

Ipswich Star: Tracey Haynes from Ipswich has been crowned Ms British Beauty Curve. Picture: FERO MEDIATracey Haynes from Ipswich has been crowned Ms British Beauty Curve. Picture: FERO MEDIA (Image: Archant)

It was third time lucky for 36-year-old Tracey Haynes who won the coveted title at The Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone, Kent, earlier this month.

Tracey, a support worker, has entered the competition three years running, coming first runner up last year, but thought she would give it one last go.

Tracey said she was ‘overwhelmed’ when she heard her name called out as winner.

“I was a bit of a mess on the day to be honest,” she said.

Ipswich Star: Tracey said she burst into tears when she found out she had won. Picture: FERO MEDIATracey said she burst into tears when she found out she had won. Picture: FERO MEDIA (Image: Archant)

“Previous years I felt fairly confident going in, but this year was completely the opposite.

“When I heard my name being called out as winner I couldn’t hold it all back.

“I burst into tears because I could hear people in the crowd cheering my name.

“When I had to tip my head to put the crown on it was so overwhelming - I just couldn’t believe it.

Ipswich Star: Tracey said it was 'overwhelming' when her name was read out as winner. Picture: FERO MEDIATracey said it was 'overwhelming' when her name was read out as winner. Picture: FERO MEDIA (Image: Archant)

“It was the best moment of my life.

“This was my third attempt at the pageant, last year I was first runner up.

“But I thought this year I would give it one more go and I am glad I did.”

The plus size beauty pageant aims to give women the confidence to pursue their dreams and celebrates women of all shapes and sizes.

As part of the competition, entrants were asked to take part in a host of charity activities including raising money and working to inspire women to be happy in their skin.

For the pageant, entrants were asked to work with charities across the country, including organisations close to where they live.

Tracey said: “This year I made a big deal of doing things for charities and raising the profile of organisations that are related to body confidence and health.

“I was doing about two charity appearances a week.

“I must have travelled 3,500 miles over the year.

“I did a lot for local charities as well, focussing on the Teapot Project in Ipswich and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.”

Pageant director Leah Prescod said: “This was Tracey’s third attempt in the pageant and she really went for it this year, wowing the judges with her on-stage confidence and charisma.”