Miss England crowns its first virtual finalist in a garden due to coronavirus pandemic

The Miss England pageant has crowned its first virtual finalist in a ceremony held via videolink to her back garden. Tia Carter was handed her 'Miss Leicestershire' sash and tiara at her home in Leicester last weekend. The 19-year-old mechanic turned beauty queen was presented her award by sister Sapphire, 23, who was Miss Leicestershire 2017.The contest was originally due to go ahead as a live show in front of a large audience.

The pageant bosses announced last month that the heat - along with 15 other Miss England events around the country - would be carried out via videolink instead due to the coronavirus outbreak.  Tia won her place in the final by submitting a catwalk video of her strutting down the drive at the side of house.  She also performed a dance routine in her garden for the talent round and raised £220 for charity. The Miss England final was due to take place in Birmingham in July but this has now been postponed until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Miss England director Angie Beasley said: 'The final of Miss England is currently on hold due to the coronavirus situation and has been postponed until further notice.