A BUDDING pageant queen is putting the spotlight on mental health by creating an e-book with the public's words as she vies to be crowned Ms Atlantic.

Letters of Love is a collection of original poems, anonymous letters and inspirational messages "which could be the light in someone's darkness", Natalie Moloney hopes.

The Miss Voluptuous pageant founder is fundraising for Mind, the charity of choice for the Atlantic Beauty pageant which Natalie is a finalist.

She said: "I've been an ambassador for a mental health organisation since 2015, which sadly closed its doors last year.

"I implemented a love letter program through the organisation, for physical letters to be sent to anyone who requested them after seeing a project called One Million Lovely Letters.

"I then decided to take the project further by taking new submissions and creating a book to benefit Mind.

"Letters of Love is a collection of words of encouragement, love and hope for people suffering from mental health issues.

"I’d love to be able to create a paperback and would want to donate copies to libraries and mental health support groups so it’s available to anyone who needs it."

By late summer, Natalie, of Colchester, aims to have the book ready for people to download in exchange for a donation.

"There are no requirements to have a project or make public appearances - we're simply asked to raise a minimum of £20 for Mind which is so achievable," she said.

"I'm always working on ways to give back though. I've been volunteering since I was 19 - it’s just who I am.

"That’s the beauty of pageants. The projects, fundraising and charities contestants get involved with are all unique and incredible, and means pageants girls are never short of things to talk about."

An excited Natalie will take to the stage in January 2020 to compete.

In the meantime she is still accepting applications for her own pageant which will crown a queen in each UK nation for the first time in its three-year history.

She said: "The outdated stereotype of the 70s beauty contest is long since buried, and instead we have empowerment programmes for women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to unite for a common goal.

"Individual systems raise thousands of pounds for charity and I think that’s really important for naysayers to consider.

"With any kind of competition though, it comes down to mindset. A healthy and positive mindset will ensure pageants stay fun, and the expression, ‘You get back what you put in’ couldn’t be more true in this instance."

Enter your submissions to lettersoflove@mail.com.