BODY confidence will be one of the issues highlighted in York Fashion Week, which starts on Monday.

The worldwide hit documentary Embrace, which looks at women's views on their bodies, will be shown at a special event at City Screen, followed by a Q&A session on the issues raised in the movie.

The film has been organised by local campaigner Kirsty Poskitt, from Tadcaster, who last year arranged a swimwear calendar photoshoot for women to raise awareness and money for the cause.

Kirsty said she was delighted the film was part of York's Fashion Week programme. "It's so important that we start to see all different types of body shapes, ethnicities and abilities within the fashion industry and the media in general.

"Although things are improving hugely within fashion with many high street brands widening their ranges to suit all shapes and sizes, there is still a mountain to climb when it comes to using painfully thin models in the more high-end fashion shows and magazines.

"York Fashion Week is a great event for us to say 'embrace who you are and love who you are, we’re not all made to fit into one mould and nor should we feel we have to."

The documentary uncovers why poor body image has become a global epidemic and what women can do about it. It has been described as "funny, touching, at times gut wrenching but above all, life changing". It follows documentary maker Taryn Brumfitt as she turns from a body hater to a body lover; from being devastated by her perceived ugliness to proudly posing nude for the whole world to see.

Following the screening, Kirsty will be joined by three speakers who will take part in a Q&A session about body image. These will be York "Confidence Coach" Jules Wyman; Sam Mason, who runs the Facebook page and blog Truly You, and plus-size model Rachel Peru.

Kirsty warns people the film packs a punch. She said: "Its quite an overwhelming response when people see the film. I've never seen anything quite like it. You look round the room and it's like you can see people's shoulders start to drop at the relief of realising someone else feels the same way they do.

"I’ve yet to go to a screening that hasn't ended with lots of people quite tearful, hugging each other and sharing their stories. It's very impactful and if you are ready for it, it can really change your life."

The screening is just one way Kirsty tries to get women talking about body image. Last year's calender project raised about £1,000 for Mind and the eating disorders charity, Beat.

Kirsty said: "The calendars and the screenings really help to open up the conversations about body image issues.

"Whilst we were selling the calendars, we had so many people talk to us about issues they had faced or that their children are facing, so it’s helping people change their lives and their way of thinking."

Embrace, York City Screen, Tuesday April 17, from 6pm with a Q&A session straight after the screening. Tickets cost £11 and are available on the door or via Eventbrite, just search for Embrace Screening York.