KIDDERMINSTER'S carnival queen is jetting off to the Husum Crocus Festival today for one of the final duties of her year.

Hannah Rees will be special guest at the annual event in Kidderminster's German twin town for the weekend.

The town is well-known for growing the spring bulb and Hannah will team up with Husum’s Crocus Queen for official engagements and take in some sightseeing.

The 15-year-old Baxter College student will then hand over the crown to her successor at the contest at the town hall on Sunday April 13.

The day will start with the rosebud competition to find two six to nine-year-olds to join the queen's court.

Contestants will be asked questions about school, hobbies, likes and dislikes in front of a panel of judges at 10.30am. The doors will open at 10am for registration.

The search for this year's princess, aged 10 to 13, will follow at approximately 12.30pm and the queen contest, for 14-18-year-olds, will start at around 1.30pm.

Judges, including representatives from the town twinning committee, councillors and Hannah, will be looking for girls who can be ambassadors for the town.

The winners will receive cash prizes and a dress for carnival day - Saturday June 21 - when they will lead the street parade and be VIPS at the Brinton Park showground.

Carnival chairman Colin Hill said: "We are looking forward to another well-supported competition. It's always a good occasion and it's great to see the enthusiasm of those who enter. They are all winners just for taking part."

Entrants must live, go to school or college or work in Kidderminster and past winners cannot re-enter in the same section.

There is a £2 entry charge, which includes a portrait photograph for each contestant.

For more details and an entry form email joannebowkett@gmail.com