A MUM-OF-FOUR has told how she danced nude on stage at the age of 43 - to take a stand against the so-called size zero culture.

Pauline Ferguson, a size 14, shed her clothes and inhibitions because she wanted to send out a positive message to women to embrace their curves.

Pauline, a sales advisor, was among 20 women who appeared naked in front of a packed audience the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow as part of a show by artist Nic Green.

And the women got such a buzz from the experience they are now planning to launch a collection of nude Christmas cards to raise cash for breast cancer research.

Pauline, 43, of Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, said: "Taking part in the show is the best thing I've ever done. At first I felt a bit nervous but once I got up there it was really exciting.

"It took me a whole day to come down to earth after doing it. I would recommend it to anyone.

"I've got two daughters, Amanda and Lindsay, and there is so much pressure on young girls to be thin.

"When I was younger I was constantly watching what I was eating.

"Now I go to the gym three times a week and just try to eat healthily.

"I know I'm never going to be a stick insect but as long as I'm healthy, I'm happy and if I've helped one young woman that's a bonus."

Pauline's performance got the thumbs-up from husband Robert, 51, who works for the National Grid.

She said: "He was really proud of me for doing it."

The women now plan to strip off one more time to raise cash for breast cancer research with a nude Christmas calendar or greeting cards.

City-based artist Nic, 25, a graduate of the RSAMD, also bared all.

She said: "The women were on fire. Their attitude was amazing.

"I feel so proud and inspired to have done the show with them."