BOURNEMOUTH resident Romy Simpkins has won and a place in the prestigious grand finale of Miss Intercontinental UK after claiming the title of Miss Bournemouth 2020.

The 26-year-old has seen off hundreds of young women from across the UK to make it to the grand finale.

Romy said: "I am so honoured to have made it through to the final, it is a great achievement to represent my area in such an established pageant.

“I am very excited to share my The Red Flag campaign in raising awareness about narcissistic behaviour and spotting the signs of coercive control."

Miss International UK 2016 and Miss Supranational United Kingdom 2018 Romy will join winners from England, Wales and Scotland at the 48th annual competition which will take place on Saturday September 19 at The Double Tree by Hilton Liverpool.

Previous titleholders have since gone on to high-profile careers in government, business, finance, film and fashion.

Romy, also an ambassador and restored eating disorder coordinator at Dorset Minda, added: "It's a dream to be a part of a system that allows women to create opportunities for themselves and has helped me to make my Atlantica Swimwear a huge success since setting up in November 2017."