Skinny entrants banned from Miss World

Producers of Miss World Australia have promised that there will be no skinny girls on display at this year's final.

The world's oldest beauty pageant is keen to avoid the controversy that surrounded the 2009 Miss Universe competition, when contestant Stephanie Naumoska was criticised for her gaunt look.

Australia's Daily Telegraph quotes executive producer Pauline McFetridge as saying: "We don't have height restrictions and in the end we want our girls to be mentoring role models for both young girls and guys."

McFetridge added that this year's contestants are also encouraged to focus on being charitable, saying: "Our girls must raise money for local charities before they get to the finals."

The final of the pageant, which features the Duchess of York's sister Jane Ferguson as a judge, takes place in Sydney's Star City tonight.