“I’m absolutely over the moon.”

The reaction of Liam Ulla, a small business owner and environmental campaigner from Sandbanks in Poole, after being crowned Mr England 2021.

As reported on Dorset Biz News, the 28-year-old was competing for the title against Jake Mathot, representing Liverpool, and Lewis Ellis from Manchester.

Named Mr Dorset in 2019, he is now Mr England for two years. and will also be England’s sole entrant in the prestigious Mr World contest to be held in Thailand, depending on travel restrictions.

Liam established Coacoara, a not for profit foundation to reduce plastic waste and assist in reducing the ocean’s plastic content and also runs a successful chauffeur business, New Century Chauffeurs.

He 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!”

The Mr England contest, which was held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in the Midlands, 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.’

The same applies to the contest to find the ‘World’s Most desirable Man’ with the title set to go to somebody who will represent their country well at national and international events.

Liam pictured with Rehema Muthamia, 25, who was crowned Miss England 2021.

Not only will Liam be representing England at the Mr World contest, but he will be required to make personal appearances.

He also wins a package of vouchers, photocalls and an overseas holiday as well as becoming the new ambassador of Envoy London, a Kensington based clothing brand and partner for the Mr England contest.

Coacoara Foundation’s range of compostable plastic-free, eco-friendly products include carrier bags, sponges, cling film and toothbrushes.

They’re available in a dozen eco shops across the south.

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

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.

Coacoara also financially supports its own ocean clean-up projects in areas where plastic pollution is especially prominent, such as India and China.

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

He takes care to live a healthy lifestyle with a regime that involves fasting, a strict diet of healthy organic food, avoiding red meat, cardio in the morning and evening gym sessions.

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

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 sports and intelligence rounds and submit a video of their talent for the Mr England Talent round.