DRAMA student Jessica Campbell proved she is a class act by winning the coveted Kidderminster Carnival Queen title.

The 15-year-old was picked by judges from an impressive line-up of 10 contestants in Sunday’s competition at the town hall.

It was second time lucky for Jessica, becoming the fourth Baxter student to clinch the honour in the last five years.

A talented singer and actress, she is a member of the Class Act drama group and recently appeared in her school’s production of Oliver!

Jessica, who is a Duke of Edinburgh bronze medallist and wants to be a special needs teacher, said: “Last year I reached the second round and I hoped I could go further, but I’m so shocked to win. I’m really pleased and looking forward to my year.”

The contest was judged by Kidderminster mayor John Campion, carnival president Peter Picken, town twinning association secretary Hilary Boyle and dress sponsor Jenny Altindas, from The Wedding Rooms.

It was third time lucky for King Charles I School student Paige Rundle, aged 13, who was crowned princess.

The keen netballer faced stiff competition from 16 other hopefuls, including sister Olivia, aged 10, who was happy to see the honour finally go to her older sibling.

Proud nan Glenys Rundle praised the girls, who along with her three other grandchildren, had pulled her through a recent battle with cancer.

The rosebud titles went to first time entrant Millie Hodgkins, aged nine, and Alice Hickey, aged eight, for whom it was also a case of third time lucky.

Alice, who attends Chaddesley Corbett Primary School, and lives in Kidderminster, became the youngest person in Britain to gain a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. She also enjoys acrobatics and has recently joined the Wolverley-based Starlight Dance Academy.

She said: “I’m so happy. It’s a dream come true – I’ve been talking about it since last year when I didn’t win.”

Sutton Park Primary School pupil Millie enjoys swimming and is a member of the navy training cadets and Jubilee Kids Club.

“I didn’t think I’d win and I was really scared, but now I’m really happy,” she added.

The winners received an extra prize of a Wannabe Workshop Experience, including a hair and beauty makeover, photo shoot and advice and information on the modelling industry, courtesy of the 1986 Kidderminster Carnival Queen and ex-Miss Birmingham Jeanne Frith.

The girls will also be supplied with dresses for the carnival – on Saturday June 21 – from Kidderminster bridal and prom dress company The Wedding Rooms, of Bewdley Road, and win cash prizes of £75 for the queen, £30 for the princess and £10 each for the rosebuds.

Town centre manager Jackie Roberts, who compered the competitions, said: “We thank all those who came along for making it an excellent day. The contestants should all be proud of themselves, they are all winners for taking part.”