CARNIVAL princess Lucy Paull has urged youths to come forward and compete to become this year’s Bridport carnival royalty.

The 15-year-old said she had a great time after being crowned as the princess for last year’s extravaganza.

Now she has urged other young people to enter this year’s competition, to take pride of place in the 40th anniversary carnival this year.

Lucy said: “It was really good. I was excited and a bit nervous but I was always smiling during the day.

“The parade and torchlight procession were really good.

“I got to press the button to start the fireworks. It was really fun.”

Lucy succeeded her sister Beth, now 16, as Carnival Princess. She urged anyone thinking about taking part to have a go.

“Don’t be nervous or worried about being on the float,’’ she said. “It’s all fun and a really good experience.”

A Junior Bridport’s Got Talent contest is being held to pick this year’s carnival royalty.

The carnival committee is holding the Bridport News-backed extravaganza on Sunday, June 26, at 2.30pm at Bridport Conservative Club in North Street. The winners will become the Bridport Carnival Princess, her attendants and escort at the showcase 40th anniversary event this year.

Entrants – boys and girls – must perform a song, dance or other entertainment routine in front of a panel of independent judges.

There are two age categories for girls: from seven to 11 and from 12 to 16. Judges will pick a princess and two girls as attendants. There is also a category for boys aged seven to 11 to become the princess’s escort.

Judges will crown the winners on the afternoon.

The princess and her entourage will take pride of place in the grand procession on Saturday, August 20, and at the torchlight procession on the next day. She will also be able to attend as many events as she likes in the packed programme of events leading up to carnival weekend.

Entry to the talent competition is free. Organisers prefer people to enter in advance but may accept entrants on the day.

Entrants must have a parent or guardian’s permission.

A host of events are happening in the build up to this year’s 40th anniversary carnival on August 20 and 21.

See the new website at bridportcarnival.co.uk GROUPS, clubs, businesses and individuals can get their entry forms to join in the grand procession at Bridport Carnival in this week’s edition of the Bridport News.

The Grand Carnival Procession sets off from St Swithun’s Road at 7.30pm on Saturday August 20.

It will be followed by a family disco from about 8pm at Bridport Con Club in North Street. There will also be dancing to the Vinyl Monkeys in South Street from 9pm to 10.30pm. The funfair will also be open at Asker Meadows.

Entry forms to join in the procession are available from Sharon Fox 07980 607235, A G Down Funeral Directors or email: shaun.fox@fwi.co.uk