THE red velvet cloak and blue and gold appliqud sash worn by Tenbury's Country and Western Carnival Queen over 20 years ago - and the engraved silver salver presented to the winner by the West Bromwich Building Society - have been discovered in a cupboard during a clear out in the town clerk's office.

The cloak and sash, still in very good condition, will be worn again by next year's Carnival Queen.

The committee is also seeking information leading to the creator of the beautifully needle-worked sash and hope to invite her - or him - to crown the 2004 winner.

Committee member Caroline Palethorpe, who was persuaded to put the outfit on, said: "This is a wonderful find and will save carnival funds the £100-plus cost of hiring the Queen's outfit and is another good omen for the future of the carnival".

Plans for the big parade in May are well underway and this year include a Craft Market for people keen to make and sell hand-crafted, quality goods of all kinds.

The committee is also keen to encourage more businesses, organisations and small groups to enter driven and walking floats for the parade to Palmer's Meadow for the afternoon of family fun. Contact 01584 819762 for more information.