Search is on for Carnival Queen

Organisers of the summer extravaganza are looking for someone outgoing and committed to lead the event and accept a host of invitations from groups across the city during her year in office.

Last year's winner Kirsty Evans will have been involved in around 40 events by the time she hands her crown over on Thursday, June 7.

She recently flew out to Northern Ireland to visit the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

This year's winner will be chosen from the hopefuls on a special selection night at Huntingdon Hall, in Deansway.

The winner's first duty will be to take a leading part in this year's Carnival, which is planned for Saturday, July 7.

"The young lady who is selected will have a year she'll never forget and will be an ambassador for Worcester both locally and nationally," said carnival publicity officer, Mike Dandey.

"Kirsty's had a fantastic year and has been a wonderful Carnival Queen.

"She had a wonderful time in Northern Ireland and took part in exercises which were organised for her.

"This year's queen will have a tough act to follow because the ones in the past have all been fantastic."

All entrants must be 16 years or over and live within the postal areas WR1 to WR5.

Their photograph will appear in the Evening News before the lucky winner is chosen. The event is being sponsored by Excel Automation, based in Gregory's Bank, Worcester.

Andy Dean, of Worcester Hospital Radio, will compere the selection evening.

A panel of five judges will make the final decision. The judges include Geoff Hunt, managing director of Excel Automation; Kirsty Evans, Worcester Carnival Queen; an Evening News reporter; Sgt Tim Humber, of Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, and Steve Dorr, of Worcester Referee Society.

The winner will receive £150 cash and an Avon cosmetics presentation pack.

Anyone interested in finding out more about entering for the Carnival Queen selection should call Mike Dandey on 01905 721523.