THE reigning Miss Worcestershire has been preparing for the national finals of the Miss England competition by donning an impressive dress promoting the eco round.

Miss Worcestershire, Laura Beth Morgan, a 24-year-old television and film production assistant, attended an event at Wayfarers with her fellow Miss England finalists to reveal that the location of this year's final will be Southport in Merseyside.

Despite the Miss England competition being held at the seaside, the event is keen to move away from its historical 'bathing beauty' image, so instead contestants will be taking part in a series of tough qualifying rounds.

The rounds include sports and fitness, fundraising, talent and an eco-fashion show where contestants are given the chance to use their creative skills to come up with an outfit made from recycled materials.

Laura, from Belbroughton, attended wearing a dress made out of cards from Worcestershire based company Cherry Orchard Cards to promote the round.

Laura said it was great to visit Southport, where the finals will be held in July, and to show off the dress.

"My eco dress I am showcasing took about two weeks to make and is made out of 400 cards," she said.

"I love being being creative and can not wait to start thinking about the eco round - the theme is 'classic era'.

"I am excited to be able to help others, and promote a healthy body image for young women.

"I believe you should be confident in who you are and your beauty will shine through no matter what."

Laura is working on many events and fundraising for charities across the county, ahead of the finals.

Her progress can be followed on the facebook site missworcestershire2016, or visit missenglandwm.com.