TWO university students from Bournemouth have reached the coveted finals of Miss England 2020.

Giovanna Coombes, a 20-year-old Cardiff University geology student from Bournemouth, and Alina Green, 21, who is studying at Arts University Bournemouth, have reached the final stage of the competition after completing the virtual stages.

Both contestants have undertaken extensive charity work throughout their campaign.

During the summer, Giovanna worked closely with Bournemouth based charity We Do Ethical, which aims to tackle climate change.

She has joined many beach cleans across Bournemouth to emphasise her commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable world.

Giovanna said: “To support We Do Ethical, I recently set up a baking Instagram account (@earths.sweet.saving.bakes) where the money from my cakes goes to charity.

"We Do Ethical plants one tree per 50p made in profit. So far, I have made three cakes.

“I am also supporting secondhand shops such as Oxfam during my campaign. I think the world needs more ethical approaches right now.”

Although the Miss England finals have been postponed until April 2021, Giovanna will continue to campaign and fulfil her aims.

She said: “I joined this competition to dispute a stereotype by showing that a STEM student, who is usually perceived as geeky, can take part in a beauty pageant.

"My aim is to also help the planet and demonstrate that aerial sports is well respected and to get it more recognition.

“Pole and aerial sports are not recognised or spoken about, so it’s great to encourage people to take part.”

Alina, who was crowned Miss Dorset for the second year running this year, has also taken a sustainable approach to her campaign and fundraising.

She said: “I am focusing on the sustainable side of things, such as beach cleans and various relevant fundraisers.

"Last year I did a skydive and this year I did the fastest zipline in the world as well as a virtual dog show in aid of Margaret Green Rescue Centre.

“I tend to do fundraisers that are a bit different and adrenalin inducing.”

The virtual dog show took place on September 29 and saw around 40 dogs and their owners taking part, raising over £100 in the process.

Alina added: “While people were in lockdown and at home I wanted to give them something to enjoy, which was also a bit of fun.

“This competition is good as it is more about who you are rather than what you look like.

"It’s a lot more than being pretty.”

A future fundraiser includes a shark dive on November 6 where Alina will be feeding fishes and swimming with sharks.

Money raised from Alina’s fundraisers go towards Beauty with a Purpose and the We Do Ethical tree campaign.

To keep up to date with Giovanna and Alina’s Miss England endeavours, visit their respective Instagram accounts @giovannacoombes and @alinagreen