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

Giovanna Coombes, a 20-year-old Geology student at Cardiff University, is hoping to reach the coveted final of the national competition, which will entail taking part in the virtual semi-final on July 31.

The semi-final was due to take place at Kelham Hall & Country Park on June 8 but due to social distancing and lockdown restrictions, this was not feasible.

However, this has not quelled Giovanna's passion and enthusiasm for the semi-final.

She said: "I am currently making an environmentally friendly dress out of both natural products and plastics I can find around the house, making a nature meets manmade theme. I will soon be starting my very own online yoga and fitness training classes free of charge where I kindly ask participants to donate to Beauty with a Purpose charity."

Along with the tasks that need to be completed for this stage of the competition, Giovanna's commitment to aerial sport ,which she started at university, is at the forefront of her campaign.

Giovanna said: "Pole and aerial sports are not recognised or spoken about, so it's great to encourage people to take part."

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

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

The semi-final will be available to watch via a live stream.

Tickets cost £7.99 and include a free vote.

This can be purchased on the Miss England website https://www.missengland.info/qualifiers/semi-final/#tab-livestream where you can also find out more about voting.