STOURPORT Carnival queen and her attendants were chosen during a selection ceremony at Stourport Workmen’s Club.

The carnival court, made up of a queen aged between 16 and 25, a princess aged between 10 and 15 and a rosebud aged between five and nine, is a vital part of the traditional carnival.

Organisers said it was a tough decision to decide between the five entrants who put themselves forward for this year’s queen contest.

The winning competitor chosen at the ceremony last Sunday was 18-year-old Mary Newman, who works at Specsavers, in High Street, Stourport.

Halle Griffiths, 11, from Westacre Middle School, Droitwich, beat off competition from 10 other entrants to take on the role of princess, while this year’s rosebud will be Stourport Primary School pupil, 9-year-old Darcie Holmes.

Twelve other young girls from the town signed up for the chance to be selected as rosebud in this year’s carnival.

Pete Roberts, chairman of Stourport Carnival Society, gave his thanks to everyone involved in the selection process.

Mr Roberts said: “I’d like to say thank you to all those who attended the evening, especially those who were not chosen to be the queen, princess or rosebud.

“I would say to them please come back and try again next year, as they were all tough calls to make.

“Thank you as well to the judges, the mayor, civic dignitaries and the commodore of the yacht club for their help and finally well done to those who were chosen this year.”

As well as being as major participants in the carnival, the successful trio will also get the chance to represent the town at functions and events throughout the year.