Last year's Sheringham carnival queen and her attendants are reuniting to encourage other girls to try to become part of this year's 'royal family'.They are asking girls aged 16 and over to turn up to a carnival selection dance on Tuesday, May 5 at The Crown Inn.

Last year's Sheringham carnival queen and her attendants are reuniting to encourage other girls to try to become part of this year's 'royal family'.

They are asking girls aged 16 and over to turn up to a carnival selection dance on Tuesday, May 5 at The Crown Inn.

Seventeen-year-old Rosa Whitman, who is waiting to take up a place studying nursing at the University of East Anglia, was last year's queen.

'Although it is hard work, it makes you feel proud to represent the town,' she said. 'It gives you confidence when you apply for jobs or college, and I would tell anyone who is having doubts to just go for it, as being part of the carnival really is enjoyable.'

Carnival spokeswoman Maureen Cook hoped local girls would follow the example of Rosa and her attendants, trainee paramedic Felicity Farraway and student Olivia Button. 'As well as having the opportunity to represent the town at the big event of the summer, they get a lovely dress, a chance to meet lots of people and to be treated like royalty for a week,' she said.

Entry forms for the selection evening, which starts at 7.30pm, are available from Sheringham library, from the Crown or by calling 01263 823463. You should be 16 or over and live within three miles of St Peter's Church.

The carnival committee is keen to hear from businesses or individuals willing to sponsor events or advertise in this year's programme. For more information call 01263 822154.