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Miss Beach Beauty contestant defies convention by wearing wetsuit instead of a bikini

Ben Leo

Published: 0:47, 16 Jul 2019
Updated: 8:24, 16 Jul 2019

A MISS England finalist defied pageant convention by posing in a wetsuit for the swimsuit round.

Feminist Aysha Khan made the top 20 despite being the only one of 49 entrants not to wear a bikini or costume.

Aysha Khan defied convention by wearing a wetsuit at a swimsuit contest — Aysha Khan defied convention by wearing a wetsuit at a swimsuit contestCredit: Aysha Khan/Triangle News

Ms Khan wanted spread the message that is her choice to cover up — Ms Khan wanted spread the message that is her choice to cover upCredit: Aysha Khan/Triangle News

The student, 21, who is Miss Lancashire, said: “I wanted to push the message that it’s your choice to wear more clothing and cover up.

“For me, choosing to cover up is empowering. Just because I’m not wearing a bikini doesn’t mean I’m not confident about my body.”

Aysha added that her Muslim faith also made her wary of posing in revealing swimwear.

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Miss England banned the swimwear round in 2014.

But they allow participants to compete in an optional Miss Beach Beauty round.

Aysha, from Blackburn, said she does not yet know if she won.

The 21-year-old student is Miss Lancashire — The 21-year-old student is Miss LancashireCredit: Aysha Khan/Triangle News

Her Muslim faith made her wary of posing in revealing clothes — Her Muslim faith made her wary of posing in revealing clothesCredit: Aysha Khan/Triangle News

The Miss Beach Beauty competition - part of Miss England - grants the winner a trip to Mauritius — The Miss Beach Beauty competition - part of Miss England - grants the winner a trip to MauritiusCredit: Aysha Khan/Triangle News

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