A REDDITCH woman is currently taking part in a beauty pageant to inspire people suffering from mental illness.

Shanice-Leigh Blackwood, who suffers from depression and anxiety, said she entered the competition to inspire people - saying that if they can see her do it, then they can get out there and do what they want to do.

She said: "I suffer from mental illness, so for me to get up on stage and be in front of people and put myself out there with a message is more so for people who suffer from the same as me and feel like they have to run away from their problems or it prevents them from doing what they want to do.

"I want to inspire women of all ages, and men, to speak out about their mental illness and also bring it to the surface to keep making it a topic of conversation so people understand more about it, as for every person it differs."

Shanice-Leigh, a singer-songwriter, was crowned Miss Devine Birmingham two weeks ago and is now in the running to be Miss Devine UK.

The competition, which aims to empower and inspire females from a variety of different backgrounds, will be held in Newport later this year.

Shanice-Leigh added: "This pageant strives for uplifting women and it is open to all ages and sizes which I think is so important in an age where the world is so critical."

For more on the competition, visit missdivineuk.com.