Girls Aloud star's underwear role

Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle has become a celebrity ambassador for a Glasgow firm which makes underwear for people who wear colostomy bags.

The Irish singer teamed up with Vanilla Blush after a friend had an operation which left him needing a colostomy bag for the rest of his life.

She wants to help people rebuild their confidence after major bowel surgery.

Vanilla Blush was set up by 33-year-old Nicola Dames after she had major surgery in 2006.

Ms Coyle, 21, said she decided to speak out after her friend, hairstylist Connor Grant, had an operation in January which left him needing a colostomy bag.

"This was a big worry, especially in our industries where there is so much pretence at body perfection," she said.

"I was amazed at the negative connotations that surrounds people with a stoma and also shocked at the lack of exposure in the mainstream media. This is one taboo which I am right on board in helping to smash."

The LA-based singer has agreed to be a celebrity ambassador for Vanilla Blush and is set to appear at a nursing conference in Arizona, in the US, with models to promote the firm.

Ms Dames said that donations were already coming in which would help Vanilla Blush get its models over to the catwalks of America.

She added: "I am pleased to say that we have already received a £2,000 donation. With Nadine's help we should be going Stateside."