YORK beauty queen Elizabeth Martin has been enjoying the easing of lockdown restrictions - and is hoping to boost tourism in her home city in the process.

Elizabeth, 21, a contestant in next month's Miss England Grand Finals, is promoting tourism in York as part of a new round in the final of this year's national beauty contest.

She made the most of the recent lockdown relaxation to go for a cuppa at the Pig and Pastry cafe, in Bishopthorpe Road.

Elizabeth said: “York’s heart is its small and independent businesses, which is why it has been so amazing to be able to visit them as restrictions have eased.

"Businesses like the Pig and Pastry have been at the heart of community response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I am extremely passionate about supporting our independent businesses due to the importance they have not only to the health of our local economy, but also our community wellbeing.

"I am so looking forward to seeing York blossom this summer as we welcome visitors and locals back into the city. I know that the strong community spirit that we have here will encourage everyone to support city-centre businesses as they re-open fully after a very difficult year."

She added: "I am also extremely excited to be representing York in the Miss England Grand Finals on June 24th. It has been such a pleasure being able to work with York’s local people and charities to advocate for the city in the run up to the finals, and I hope to be able to continue this in the future – possibly even as Miss England!”

Meanwhile, Miss North Yorkshire Jennifer Carless, 16, paid a visit to the wartime-themed Eden Camp Museum in Malton, when it reopened this week.

In total 44 women will compete to be crowned Miss England 2021 in a glitzy ceremony due to be held next month.

The title is currently held by NHS doctor Bhasha Mukherjee, 24, who is the longest serving Miss England in history after the pandemic scuppered last year's contest.

Organiser Angie Beasley said: "With many international travel restrictions still in place the Miss England finalists are promoting England as the holiday destination to go to.

"Over the past 10 years the more exotic location of Mauritius have partnered with the contest.

"During the last week of May the finalists are recording their own presentations on a zoom call ready for the judges to see.

"This round will be live streamed on June 11 and 12 where the 44 finalists will be showcasing their locations best places to visit, shop and eat.

"The top 10 presentations will be shown on the night of the final."

This year's final is due to take place as a live event on Thursday, June 24 at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Coventry.

The winner of Miss England will go forward to the 70th Miss World later this year in Puerto Rico.

People can vote for their favourite finalist from next week on the Miss England App, which is free to download on Google Play or the App Store.