A SEARCH is under way for the 2008 carnival royalty in Bridport and this year both boys and girls are eligible to enter the competition.

For the first time, organisers are looking for a Carnival Prince to join the usual Carnival Princess, junior princess and attendants.

The Carnival Princess should be aged 12-16, while the junior princess and prince competitions are open to those aged seven to 11.

Only those who live within a six-mile radius of Bridport Town Hall are eligible to apply.

The winners and their attendants - who are the two runners up in the senior competition - will sit on the carnival princess float and lead the carnival procession through the town on August 16.

They will also lead the torchlight parade to West Bay on August 19.

All entrants must be available to attend a selection evening on Saturday, May 31, plus the carnival weekend events and a presentation evening later in the year.

The winners will be provided with an outfit for the big day, which they get to keep as a memento.

The carnival princess competition is sponsored by the Bridport News and readers will have a chance to vote for their favourites.

Bridport News editor Holly Robinson said: "Selectors will be looking for youngsters with plenty of confidence and character as they will have an important role as ambassadors for the town and carnival.

"It is always difficult to choose between the entrants and Bridport News readers play a vital role in helping the judges come to their final decision."

You can entry using the Entry Form here.