TALENTED Jade Coombs tapped her way to the title of Bridport Carnival Princess in the extravaganza’s 40th anniversary year.

The 15-year-old Miss Bridport wowed judges with a tap-dancing routine to claim the honour in the Junior Bridport’s Got Talent contest at the Conservative Club.

Hatti Amos, 13, and Ellie Rodgers, 12, were crowned Carnival Attendants and Molly Gay, nine, was named as Junior Carnival Princess.

Last year’s Carnival Princess Lucy Paull crowned Beaminster School pupil Jade after she beat a strong line-up of contenders in the Bridport News-sponsored extravaganza.

Jade received a gift box from Moore Than Cupcakes, a sash, bouquet of flowers, a £100 cheque and the Miss Bridport Challenge Rosebowl.

Jade immediately pledged her winnings to the Cancer Research charity as an aunty has recently been battling breast cancer.

It was third time lucky for Jade after she was an attendant for the past two years.

She said: “I am very happy and excited to have won.

“I’ve been attendant twice and am keen to support the town.

“I’m really looking forward to the carnival.”

Jade, who lives in West Bay, hopes to do some fundraising and get involved in the community during her year.

She added: “I was overwhelmed when they read my name out.

“I was really shocked as all of the girls were really good.”

Former youth leader Arthur Woodgate, Claire Perry, from Moore Than Cupcakes, and James Tourgout from the Bridport News were judges.

Attendant Hatti, who goes to Beaminster School, said: “I’m really happy to be an attendant.”

Fellow attendant Ellie added: “I had butterflies I was so nervous. I was surprised and really pleased to do so well.”

Junior Princess Molly, nine, said: “I’m really glad. It was a shock as everyone was so good.”

Other contenders included Maisie Amos, Kirsty Ellison, Gemma Gaylard and Danielle Seaward.

Judge Claire said: “Hatti really looked as if she was enjoying herself and Jade was very smiley and did well.”

The Princess and her entourage will lead the procession on the main carnival weekend of Saturday and Sunday August 20 and 21 as well as take part in carnival and community events.

There is a month of events in the lead-up to the big weekend.

See bridportcarnival.co.uk and the Bridport News for more details.

• Procession entry forms will be available soon from AG Down, 66 South Street and the Bridport News office in East Street.

Please can winners from last year’s procession return trophies to AG Down, 66 South Street.