A WORCESTER mum-to-be is blooming with pride after being picked to grace the catwalk at the NEC's Baby Show.

Mandie Ratcliffe was due to take to takes to the stage today with 12 other Model Mums in front of a crowd of around 15,000.

Nominated by her grandmother, the 30-year-old, of Grasmere Drive, Warndon, beat off stiff competition from more than 100 others for a place in the Blooming Marvellous competition.

Like celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker and Catherine Zeta Jones, Mrs Ratcliffe is determined to prove you don't have to lose your flair because you have a bump.

"It was quite a surprise when I found out," said Mandie. "I had just got back from holiday when I saw the letter that said 'congratulations, you're a model mum'.

"My Nan told me that she had entered me into the competition, but I never thought I would win."

Mandie, who is six-and-a-half months pregnant, said she was really looking forward to the show.

She was due to be taking her grandmother, her husband, Derek, and her three-year-old daughter, Britanny, with her.

The dazzling dozen were due to be modelling a stunning range of Blooming Marvellous clothes for mums-to-be at the fashion show.