A small business owner and environmental campaigner is through to the final of the Mr England competition.

Liam Ulla, 28, from Poole is one of just three finalists whittled down from contenders from across the country.

Named Mr Dorset back in 2019, he will be England’s only entrant in the Mr World contest if he wins the national title.

The other finalists are Jake Mathot, representing Liverpool, and Lewis Ellis from Manchester.

The Mr England contest is not just judged on looks.

Instead organisers say they’re searching for ‘men who have a great personality, are charitable and well educated and keen on getting involved with further charity events.’

Liam established Coacoara, a not for profit 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 16 stores across the UK & Europe.

He is working with supermarkets and businesses including local care home group Luxurycare, striking up a partnership with Eagles Mount in Poole, the first UK care home to be certified carbon neutral.

The money raised by Coacoara will be used to fund The Ocean Cleanup project, which holds operations to reduce the amount of plastic in the oceans.

As well as funding this organisation, Coacoara will also fund its own ocean clean-up projects in areas where plastic pollution is especially prominent, such as India and China.

Liam said: “To be among this group of finalists, who are so driven and have such admirable values, is a great honour.

“I am also delighted to be able to use this platform to share my passion for the environment and shine a spotlight on the plastic crisis facing our oceans.”

Liam, who works with a large team of volunteers at Coacoara, also organises regular beach cleans along the county’s beaches.

He runs a successful chauffeur business, New Century Chauffeurs.

His healthy lifestyle has a regime that involves fasting, a strict diet of healthy organic food, cardio in the morning and evening gym sessions.

As well as a gym regular he’s also a serious sportsman and was the 2019 GB kitesurfing champion, pictured.

Liam said: “Since becoming Mr Dorset I have worked hard to make positive changes in my community and beyond.

“To have the opportunity to do that on an even bigger scale, with a national platform, would be amazing.

“I’d love the people of Dorset to get behind me and give me their support so I can keep working hard and making a difference.”

Along with taking part in the traditional catwalk style contest, Mr England contestants are 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.

Prizes include a package of vouchers, photo calls and an overseas holiday.

The winner of the Mr England competition automatically gains entry as England’s representative to the Mr World competition taking place in Thailand later this year.

The Miss & Mr England final is held on Friday August 27.