A FAIRLIE woman is asking readers to help in her bid to become the world's strongest woman.

Powerhouse Emmajane Smith, who grew up in Castlepark Gardens in Fairlie, has been smashing records on her weightlifting journey and has now been invited to represent Scotland at the contest in America to find the world's best.

However the self-employed horse rider and coach will have to raise £2,250 if she is to make it to Daytona in Florida for the prestigious contest.

The 36-year-old ranked in the world's top 10 qualifiers to secure her place and is now actively seeking sponsorship to ensure she can fulfill her dream of representing Scotland.

She said: "To receive an invitation to World's Strongest Woman is a dream come true and it really does mean the everything to me.

"It is everything I have worked towards.

"I have had a very successful year of competition and this would be the perfect end to an incredible year.

"However since I am self-employed, I unfortunately do not have the funds for flights, accommodation and the entry fee.

"I am looking for donations from anyone who would like to help send me to Worlds's Strongest Woman and support me in representing Scotland.

"The idea of being named world champion is incredible - but I need the help of the readers to get me there."

At the start of the year Emmajane made history when she became the first ever woman to lift the historic Dinnie Stones, which weigh in at over 330kgs.

The stones sit outside Portach Hotel near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire, and have attracted power athletes from around the world to try and lift them. Many ladies have tried and failed - until Emmajane's incredible feat.

The former Largs Academy pupil has won coveted titles including Scotland's strongest woman, Scottish powerlifting champion and the champion of the International Highland Games Federation.

She said: "I've been on an amazing journey and I'm now hoping to add the world title to my list of accomplishments."

The competition will run over three days from November 1 to 3.

To support Emmajane visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/1rl9rogi5c