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Charles, Shane and Ruth

Shane O'Connor had to be at his diplomatic best this morning after being drafted in to help a modelling agency search for 'plus-size' models in Derby.

Ruth Anderson, who runs the Modelling Academy in Littleover, got in touch with Shane for help in addressing a shortage in larger models to pose for high street fashion chains.

She revealed she'd received requests for women with a dress size between 12-22 and men with a waist size of around 42"/44" and a chest size of around 46"/48".

19-year-old Catherine is interviewed

Ruth explained: "Companies want real people to wear their outsize garments - lingerie too!

"There isn't a shortage of people this size because there's clearly a demand for the clothes but perhaps they don't think of working as models.

"This could be because we're all so used to seeing magazine and catwalk images of models who are above average height and super slim."

Shane offered up BBC Radio Derby's Charles Collins as a suggestion and his 50" chest greatly excited Ruth.

He said he'd be happy to increase his intake of breakfast pasties if it helped his chances of getting work.

Then Shane and Ruth took to the streets of Derby where three draymen were rejected for being 'too slim and muscly'.

But after roaming the Market Place, the pair found a potential model in the shape of 19-year-old University of Derby student Catherine.

The first-year psychology and english student revealed her dress size was 14 which puts her at the smaller end of Ruth's wishlist.

But she was earmarked as a 'possible' and told to get in touch with Ruth to arrange a formal measuring-up session.

If you think you might have what it takes to be a 'plus-size' model, you can get in touch with Ruth at the Modelling Academy on 01332 540446.