DEBENHAMS has become the first high street retailer to permanently introduce size 16 mannequins.

The new mannequins, which were trialled three years ago, will be used alongside size 10 dummies on all women's fashion floors at its Oxford Street shop in London. They will then be introduced to all UK stores.

Size 10 is the standard size for mannequins on the high street, a far cry from the dimensions of the average British woman. Debenhams director Ed Watson said: "We hope that it will help people in some small way to feel comfortable about their bodies."

Equalities minister and East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson, who has led a Government drive to promote body confidence, said: "Our Body Confidence campaign has been working with the retail industry and others to encourage a diverse range of models."