Former Miss England Angie Bowness has launched her own swimwear brand made entirely from ocean waste - and all her products are being created in Nottingham.
The model, who grew up in Sherwood, said she was saddened by the decline of manufacturing in the city and described it as a key factor in her decision to set up here.
Miss Bowness, also a former Miss Nottingham winner, has enlisted the support of ex machinists in the area to put together the pieces, under the Eco Swim brand, which will be sold through the firm's website.
She said: "It has really touched me how we have had a thriving manufacturing industry with so many talented people and it collapsed, so it really is crucial for me that it is made in Nottingham.
"Some people said I should get it made abroad because it would be more cost effective, but I wanted it to have substance which is why it was so important to me."
The products, which cost between £45-75, are designed by Miss Bowness and are made using a yarn which is created from waste picked up in the ocean.
This waste includes plastics and ghost nets, which are fishing nets left or lost in the ocean and often trap marine life. They are taken from the ocean and landfills, purified and recycled into carpet and textile yarns.
Miss Bowness, a former Hollygirt School pupil, said: "I have dreamt of having a swimwear brand since I was a little girl.
"Ten years ago in an interview I said I would love my own swimwear brand. I wanted substance to the brand so when this technology became available I knew it was the right time to strike.
"It is devastating reading all these articles and seeing the images of the devastation caused by plastics and other waste - I have seen this for myself having travelled the world.
"We have to do something about it now before it is too late. I don’t want my future grandchildren to inherit a waste, so if I can do something to help, that is what really matters."
Miss Bowness, a mum-of-one, has had support from prominent business people including Dragons' Den star Touker Suleyman, who owns retail chain Hawes and Curtis, as she has set up the company.
She is now in talks with department stores to stock her products - which will include women's and children's lines and beachwear - and has a number of 'influencers' ready to wear the brand.
Having predominantly been a swimwear model, Miss Bowness says the pieces are designed based on what she would want to buy herself.
She is hopeful of success in her new venture but she also wants it to contribute to changing the way the fashion industry operates.
She added: "I hope I have created and am creating a brand with substance, with pieces that are timeless and really classic."
Miss Bowness, 42, was named Miss England in 1995 after winning the Miss Nottingham title the previous year.
She became a child model aged seven after being spotted by an agent at the Farnsfield Country Show and became the face of clothing chain Tammy Girl.
During her modelling career she has worked with companies including Thomas Cook and Thomson.
It is estimated around 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear are left in oceans every year and more than 100,000 sea mammals die as a result of pollution annually.
It is also estimated 300,000 dolphins die every year when they become entangled in discarded fishing nets.
Get the most important news straight in your inbox before 9am every day - sign up to Nottinghamshire Live's newsletter. No complicated forms to fill out, just enter your email address in the black box at the top of this page.
Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby makes first public appearance wrapped in shawl made in Nottingham
More than 70 per cent of stores in new Broadmarsh Centre are now taken or in advanced negotiations
Nottingham Forest brewer wants to put his company's beers on the map
