A SMALL business owner from Poole has been crowned Mr England 2021.

Liam Ulla, 28, who was named as Mr Dorset back in 2019, will now hold the national title for two years.

He will go on to be England’s only entrant into the prestigious Mr World contest to be held in Thailand, depending on travel restrictions.

Liam said: “I’m absolutely over the moon about winning Mr England, it’s been quite a journey to get here – but I’m overjoyed to be crowned the winner.

“What a humbling experience and achievement it’s been to win Mr England. This is really going to give me the platform to help continue to promote my foundation and demonstrate to others that no matter who you are we can achieve our dreams and goals.”

“Thank you for everyone who has supported me over the years – now it’s time to make my country proud.”

Not only will Liam be representing England at the Mr World contest, but he will be required to make personal appearances as well as winning a package of vouchers, photo calls and an overseas vacation - he will also become the new Ambassador of Envoy London, a Kensington based clothing brand and partner for the Mr England contest.

Over the last few years Liam has established his own not-for-profit foundation, named Coacoara Foundation, to reduce plastic waste and assist in reducing the ocean’s plastic content.

His curated range of compostable plastic-free, eco-friendly products, including carrier bags, sponges, cling film and toothbrushes, is available in a dozen eco shops across the south.

The money raised by Coacoara is used to fund The Ocean Cleanup Project, which hold operations to reduce the amount of plastic in the oceans.

Liam also not only a gym-goer, but a serious sportsman too - he was the 2019 GB kitesurfing champion.

He added: “Since becoming Mr Dorset I have worked hard to make positive changes in my community and beyond it, to have this opportunity to do that on an even bigger scale now, with a national platform, will be amazing.

Along with taking part in the traditional catwalk style contest, Mr England contestants were invited to arrange sponsored gifts to be donated to charity, compete in a sports round, intelligence round and submit a video of their talent for the Mr England Talent round.