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An odds-on favourite for the Miss Colombia beauty pageant was kicked out of the contest because her bikini was 'too revealing'.

Model Paola Builes, 21, was disqualified from the competition after pictures of emerged of her posing in a skimpy swimsuit.

According to the local media, the snaps were leaked to judges by followers of a rival candidate after Builes was tipped to win the event.

But after officials studied the photographs, they decided the shots clearly breached the competition rules against being photographed in a bikini below a certain size, and she was thrown out.

In addition, the professional shots were promoting a particular brand of clothing, which was also against the spirit of the contest and reinforced the judges' decision to slap a ban on her.

Journalism student Paola had already won the Miss Antioquia heat - representing north-western Colombia - and bookies tipped her as the favourite to win the overall event.

And although Paola was allowed to do professional modelling work, she was told that it had to be tasteful and the swimsuit chosen was simply too small.

(Image: CEN)

In a statement released to the press they said that the bikini was "too suggestive" and therefore not in the spirit of the contest.

The young woman's family said she was devastated by the fact that she had been told not to bother to turn up for the final of the competition, which was set to be held in November.

They said it had been her dream to enter the event that she had always attempted to be careful with the modelling work and turn down all sorts of lucrative offers that she felt could jeopardise her chances.

Ironically, the final includes a stage where contestants are expected to also wear a bikini.

But according to the competition spokesman that is different, as it is unpaid and not professional - and the candidates are not promoting the costumes that they are wearing.

What do you think?