STOURPORT'S annual search to find its carnival queen has already begun after organisers reported a flood of early interest.

A princess and rosebud for the event, on Saturday, September 2, are also being sought.

This year's queen (aged 16 to 25) will receive £150 and get the royal treatment at a Birmingham dressmakers when she is fitted for her coronation clothing, which she will be able to keep. All entrants must live within ten miles of Stourport.

The successful princess (aged 10 to 15) and rosebud (aged five to nine) also get to keep their made-to-measure gowns, along with gift vouchers. Entrants must live in Stourport.

Last year's queen, Rebekah Crowther, who will hand over her crown on carnival day, urged anyone interested to apply.

The 24-year-old said: "It has been great fun and one of the best things is that I have had the chance to meet a lot of new people. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

"There is a lot more to it than simply turning up on carnival day and getting the crown. I was a bit worried that it might interfere with my job but that did not happen at all."

The closing date for entries is Friday, April 28 and judging will take place at The Stourport Manor Hotel on Sunday, May 7.

Fifteen charities in the town have received cash boosts thanks to the generosity of visitors to last year's event.

Organisers handed over £2,995 to groups at a presentation evening last month. One charity to benefit from the bucket rattling at September's extravaganza was The Red Cross, which is using the donation to buy a new engine for its ambulance.

Carnival press officer, Pete Roberts, said: "We are really pleased with the amount raised. This year, we are increasing the prize money to £100 a float so there is a better incentive than ever to take part."

STOURPORT CARNIVAL QUEEN, ROSEBUD, PRINCESS ENTRY FORM

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