MORE than 20 hopefuls were whittled down to three winners who were crowned the Stourport Carnival queen, princess and rosebud on Sunday.

Carnival committee spokesman Pete Roberts said judges had a hard time choosing the trio, who will spearhead the town's September 6 carnival on both land and water.

Sixteen-year-old Hanna Meacham, a former Stourport High School pupil who is heading to Worcester Technical College, was named queen.

Former rosebud Angharad Rees, 10, who attends St Wulstan's Primary School, was crowned princess while Danielle Foster, seven, of Hartlebury First School, is the new rosebud.

All three live in Stourport.

Mr Roberts said: "I wouldn't have liked to be a judge. The standard was very, very good in all the categories.

"I know the judges had a hard time choosing - they said it was so close."

The three winning contestants will wear specially made dresses when they lead the spectacular land and river parades at the carnival.

And the queen will carry out other civic duties throughout the year such as appearing at the mayor's charity ball in March.

Anyone interested in entering a float at the carnival should contact Mr Roberts on 01299 826930.