A DUNFERMLINE teacher is just two steps away from the Miss Pin-up UK crown – and said she wouldn't have made it this far without the power of the Press.

Yvonne Kavanagh, 33, of Redwing Wynd in Duloch, is through to the semi-finals of the competition after winning the judges and audience over with Leona Lewis' cover of 'Run' in Brighton last Saturday.

She was one of just two quarter-finalists put through, and will now head for the semi-finals in London on September 23.

In April, we told you how Yvonne, a drama, dance and sign language teacher, was diagnosed with Cushing's disease aged 17 and has undergone 20 operations due to the illness.

The rare disease, which affects around 10 to 15 people per million, is caused by a tumour or excess growth of the pituitary gland and can lead to impaired immunological function, high blood pressure, thin skin and recurrent infection.

Yvonne was forced to use a wheelchair and the illness left her badly scarred from her shoulders to her toes, knocking her self-confidence and self-esteem.

She was given the all-clear in January after 16 years and decided to enter Miss Pin-up UK to raise awareness of living with a disability and also show that “you don't have to have a certain look, dress a certain way or be a certain size”.

An excited Yvonne said: “The Press stories helped give me a lot of exposure – a lot of people have talked to me about charity events and shows, and there's been a lot of good positive feedback.

“The quarter-finals were based on the judges' and audience votes, but without the coverage online and on social media, I wouldn't have got enough votes to get through that far.

“It's raised a lot of awareness about Cushing's as well. I've had so many people from different countries sharing their stories.”

Yvonne, who's been a pin-up model for about 10 years, said taking part in the competition has been “inspirational”.

She added: “It's been a real eye-opener – I've had so much support. Some of the women are absolutely amazing and it's a real honour to be performing with them.

“The other lady who got through in the quarter-final is a belly-dancer and there's a poet as well!

“I just want to be able to stand up and show people you don't have to fit an image – I have lots of scars and certainly don't. Now I have a stepping stone to prove that point.”

She will sing 'Run' again at the semis, and joked: “I just need to think about what I'm going to wear now!”