JANIE Britton tucks snugly into a size 20/22 dress and she will soon be striding down the catwalk at a glamorous fashion event to challenge the stereotypical image of stick thin models.

Plus-sized model Janie (43) looks sure to make a big impact at Liverpool Fashion Week and will be strutting her stuff alongside standard sized models, showing the fashion world that bigger can be beautiful.

Janie nee Almond, who is from Sutton but who now lives in Rossendale with husband Paul, is thrilled to be taking part.

She said: “I’m older than most models and I believe that there are only a couple of plus sized retailers featuring in this show. It’s great for us plus sized girls to get a bit of positive publicity for a change.”

Performance plays a big part in Janie’s life, and when she is not doing her day job at IBM as a programme manager, she sings and plays keyboard in her band ‘Call me DIVA’.

She has also been a TV extra in popular shows such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Shameless.

Janie is no stranger to modelling and has previously worked with local plus sized shops and came second in a Woman’s Own modelling competition.

Despite her experience, Janie admits to being apprehensive about her runway debut.

She added: “I’m a little nervous, thinking that I might trip up, sneeze or do something daft when I pose at the end of the catwalk.

“Luckily we get some training on how to walk ‘fierce’ so I should be okay!”

Amanda Moss, the organizer of Liverpool Fashion week is an advocate for diversity in fashion.

She told the Star: “Liverpool fashion week is about fashion for everybody of all sizes. It is important that people come to our shows and enjoy them without feeling intimidated by seeing lots of skinny women on the catwalks.”

Janie, meanwhile, is full of praise for the creators of the event, adding: “The thing I love about this event is that they are showing models of all different shapes, sizes, heights and ages.

“This is so important to me, because it sends the correct message out in that you don't necessarily have to be skinny in order to model.

“You can be yourself and still be healthy and beautiful.”