A Swindon man hopes to win a national competition after reaching the finals in a previous year.

Mike Turner from Penhill finished second in the Mr Gay England beauty pageant in 2022 and has now returned with a "bigger and better" effort to make Swindon proud by taking home the title of what is now known as Mr Gay Great Britain.

Thousands of people have applied and the winner gets to be part of a major campaign after impressing judges in seven rounds with their words, catwalk styles, and fundraising efforts.

The 31-year-old said: “I want to do my part to be a voice in the community, to inspire people and represent Swindon and Wiltshire.

“Last time was a great experience and I had some amazing ideas in my head that I still wanted to bring to life but didn't feel ready to return yet.

“I kept saying that if I ever did this again, it would be bigger and better than before.

"This time all my outfits will have very meaningful and powerful messages.

Mike Turner Mike Turner (Image: Mike Turner) “Each look is about representing and inspiring others and saying that you are enough no matter who you are. Be who you want to be.

"I'm also working on a campaign called No Need To Hush for people who feel stuck in the closet and need someone to talk to. There's no timescale on coming out and no shame in being who you are.

“I was very nervous last time because I was out of my comfort zone, but now I’m more confident that I'm going to be a contender.

"I’m a strong believer in following your dreams and if you want something then go for it. Life is too short. Let nothing get in your way."

While preparing for the competition, which will be held on August 26, Mike is raising money for the Charlie and Carter Foundation, which supports parents of seriously ill children with life-limiting conditions that require 24-hour nursing care.  

So far, more than £600 has been contributed to this good cause via JustGiving.

Upcoming fundraising events include a cocktail party at the Leonardo Hotel on June 29 and a boxing match with Mike facing off against his brother on August 3, as well as a raffle offering holidays and other prizes.

To find out more about Mike's fundraising, follow his Instagram account @mjllt92.

To vote, like the photo of him on www.instagram.com/mrgaygreatbritain