Plus-sized Miss Alabama hits back at trolls who branded her an 'unhealthy embarrassment'

A plus-sized winner of a Miss Alabama beauty contest has hit back at trolls who called her an 'unhealthy embarrassment'.

Sara Milliken, 23, was overjoyed when she scooped the top prize in the National American Miss pageant.

But her delight was short lived, as vile trolls quickly began taunting her about her appearance.

'Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,' she told WKRG.

'Even though I'm not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.'

A plus-sized winner of a Miss Alabama beauty contest has hit back at trolls who called her an 'unhealthy embarrassment'

Sarah Milliken, 23, was overjoyed when she scooped the top prize in the National American Miss pageant

Among the harsh comments was one from Blaine Tom Mieroughts, who wrote: 'I thought it was a beauty pageant.' 

Randy Hicks added: 'Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?' 

John Mason said: 'This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner,' a cruel reference to the fast food chain. 

Others were kinder, with Tracie Stephens-Brooks saying: 'To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will give anyone in need a helping hand. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass and a lot of class.'

Samantha Thrash Duff added: 'So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!;

And David Junior said: 'Great to finally not see some 100lb, blonde hair blue eyes who wants world peace win! Congrats to Alabama and this Queen!' 

Now she is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.

'I'll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,' she added . 'Their words can hurt, even if it is online.

'I've always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.'

Milliken's victory was her third attempt at the contest, which says it hopes to foster 'positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within'.

She responded to an open call and competed over Memorial Day Weekend by taking part in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.

Scoring in the pageant is based on 'personality, confidence and communication', according to organizers.

'Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights and appearances, are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,' the website states. 

Milliken admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received an influx of support from across the world gaining 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night.

But her delight was short lived, as vile trolls quickly began taunting her about her appearance

She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving

'No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,' Milliken said following her victory.

'I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.' 

Hundreds of her supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of everything from dresses to thousands of dollars worth of beauty products to help her in the next round. 

While she has been able to dust herself off, Milliken stressed it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she urged people to be kinder.