Shropshire Star feature writer Natalie Greenway proved she was head and shoulders above the rest after wearing a two-foot tall hat to Ascot’s famous Ladies Day.

The fashion-conscious writer donned a black and white furry number in an out-and-out bid to get snapped and land herself in a top society page.

The unusual creation was designed by Claire and Sarah Butterton of Proppa Toppa in St Martins, near Oswestry, and the outfit was completed by a matching fluffy handbag.

Natalie’s hat joined other head-turning designs at Royal Ascot last week including a large ice-cream cone hat, a red pretzel shaped-hat and a massive sun and cloud combo.

She said that the event was a showground for outrageous fashion statements – but her hat won her lots of attention.

Natalie added: “I was standing by the gate to the Royal Enclosure and one of the photographers took my photograph.

“Once one of them took a picture, they all decided to do the same – so I had about 20 photographers taking my photo at once.”

Ladies Day at Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the annual social calendar.

The event is known worldwide as one of the most fashionable race days as women try to out do each other by wearing flamboyant millinery.

Men have to wear a more sombre outfit of top hat and tails to be allowed into the exclusive royal enclosure.

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