Barbie available in 'curvy, tall and petite' sizes

Barbie, the iconic plastic toy doll model, is getting three new body types this year.

The US company behind the famous toy, Mattel, is adding "tall, curvy and petite" body shapes to its line-up of the fashion dolls.

Several skin tones, eye colours and hair styles will also be added to the collection, the company said.

Barbie's figure has come under fire for years, with critics arguing it set an unrealistic body image for girls.

With the new body shapes, the toy makers say they are "offering girls choices that are more reflective of the world they see today".

Last year, the company introduced 23 new dolls to its so-called Fashionistas line with varied skin and hair colours, and a much touted flat foot - replacing Barbie's signature heels.

With this year's update, the Barbie Fashionistas line will feature:

• 33 new dolls
• 30 hair colours
• 24 hairstyles
• 22 eye colours
• 14 face shapes
• 7 skin tones
• 4 body shapes - original, plus tall, curvy and petite

"We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand - these new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them - the variety in body type, skin tones and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them," Mattel executive Evelyn Mazzocco said in a statement.

From BBC News