PERSHORE'S Carnival Princess has been crowned and two attendants appointed to help her in her duties, ahead of the town's big day next Monday.

The judges decided Katie Clasen, aged 9, stood out from the 14 other entrants of the Journal-sponsored competition, held last Saturday. She is a pupil at Cherry Orchard First School and will lead the Carnival procession.

Organiser Beverly Spence said: "I think Katie was a good all-rounder but all the entrants were very good. "

Katie's two attendants on the day will be Beth Marler, aged 9, of Abbey Park First School and Amy Beaumont, aged 8, of Swan Lane First School. They will accompany her as part of the procession.

Judges included Journal editor John Murphy. All the girls were awarded marks for their personality and confidence, as well as overall performance.

Mrs Spence was confident they would contribute to the success of the day: "There are lots of interesting changes to the carnival this year to make the day a success."

There is a packed itinerary of events for the Carnival, culminating in a firework display in Abbey Park.

Other events during the day include a companion dog show, a craft fair in the Town Hall, a Battle of the Bands contest in Abbey Park, vintage vehicles and a gladiator challenge alongside stalls in the park.

The Carnival parade - this year a pedestrian procession - assembles at the Brandy Cask at noon, leaving at 1pm to travel along Bridge Street and High Street and into Church Street for the judging outside the library before, with the Carnival princess and her two assistants and two marching bands, making its way to Abbey Park.

The town's fire station will be open during the day as will St Andrew's Visitor Centre. The firework display will be at 10pm in the park.

Carnival organiser David Shaw said: "We've got a fantastic carnival committee which has worked very hard over the last few months to put this together. We're just keeping our fingers crossed for some good weather."