A BOURNEMOUTH born and bred university student has nearly reached the semi-finals of Miss England 2020.

Giovanna Coombes, a 20-year-old Geology student at Cardiff University, decided to take part in the competition on a whim, following her friend partaking last year.

Now, she is in touching distance of the semi-finals, with only the voting stage of the competition left to conquer.

Giovanna said: "I applied about a month and a half ago as I thought I might as well go for it. I didn't expect to come this far. I have done a lot for my community and want to be a strong advocate for showing you can achieve great things regardless of what you've been through."

In order to get to the voting stage, Giovanna had to create a Youtube video filled with interesting facts about herself.

At the forefront of Giovanna's campaign is her commitment to aerial sport which she started at university.

She has now been re-elected as President of Aerial Fitness following her commitment to the aerial community at university.

Giovanna explained: "Pole and aerial sports are not recognised or spoken about, so it's great to encourage people to take part. I went into aerial sports after I had a huge ankle operation when I was 14. Reaching the semi-finals would make everything I have done recognised and will help me advocate for my chosen charities.

"I have never done anything like this before so I want to give back to my community."

To vote for Giovanna in this year's virtual Miss England 2020, text 'MISS PHOTO06' to: 63333.

Texts cost 50p each.