One Armed Mum Defies Odds To Be Crowned Beauty Queen

A beauty queen who was born with one arm is using her title to raise awareness of disability and encourage youngsters to pursue their dreams.

Stunning Katie Cooper, 20, who was born with no left forearm, has been crowned Miss Worcestershire. She said she has never let her physical appearance get in the way of her aspirations.

'I don't see myself as having a disability because my arm has never stopped me from doing anything,' claims the mother-of-one.

'But at times I would be embarrassed about it and would hide it under a jacket as people would stare, especially at school.

'After having my daughter I decided I would try to get over it for her sake to set a good example for her.'

The inspirational mum juggles working in a fast-food restaurant and looking after 17-month-old Eden, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Katie, from Worcester, was entered into the Miss Dream Street Worcestershire pageant by her twin sister Claire in a bid to boost her low self-confidence.

'My sister entered me in it and then told me. I wasn't sure about it because of my confidence but I decided to do it three days before.'

She says she's using her victory to show her disabled daughter she should not let anything hold her back.

'I am really proud of myself and I don't want [Eden] to feel she can't do anything or let anything hold her back.'

Little Eden was born with a form of cerebral palsy in March last year and doctors warned Katie that her development might be slower than other children,

But the mum said her daughter is doing well and she thinks the adorable tot will be crawling and walking sooner rather than later.

'Eden was born with cerebral palsy and isn't crawling or walking yet but is doing really well so should be soon.'

The beauty queen is now hoping to beat 70 other hopefuls to the Miss Dream Street UK crown next month but her real dream is to go back to the dancing she loved as a child.

'My dream is to be a professional dancer or showgirl. I stopped dancing when I was about 18 but want to start up again.'

As for the future, Katie hopes that her new title will help to inspire her daughter and other young people with disabilities to aim high.

'You can do anything if you try and I will make sure [Eden] knows that as she is growing up.

'And that applies to any young people with disabilities, it should not stop you living your life to the full.'

[Model told she can't compete for Miss England title because she's a mother]

[Inspiring eight-year-old carries his disabled brother through a triathalon]