Twenty-three young people came forward last Friday evening in the hope of becoming one of the members of 'Royalty' for this year's Carnival Parade on Thursday, 15th November.

There were three entries for the only male position in the Carnival Royalty, with eight-year-old Toby Thomas, from Midsomer Norton, becoming the Carnival Prince after a tight contest. Toby's counterpart, the Carnival Princess, this year comes from Clandown and is Lauren Tutchell who is nine-years-old. Both these categories had more entries than last year.

A ten-year-old girl from Midsomer Norton was selected to be Miss Carnival from a larger entry. The lucky girl is Lucy Ivory, who will join the other royalty in the glass coach on carnival night. It was rather disappointing to see only two entries for the position of Carnival Queen, but Aleesha White, from Frome, was delighted to take the honours as Queen for the coming year. After the results were announced, it was discovered that the Princess, Lauren Tutchell, keeps her family connection with carnival as her brother, Jack, was the Prince last year. Another coincidence is the fact that the Queen, Aleesha White's mother, Amanda Callow, was the Midsomer Norton Carnival Queen in 1989.

The royalty selection is only the first part of this year's carnival preparations. Parade entries are already coming in, but the committee are always looking for more. Should you wish to enter in any way, entry forms are now available from the secretary on: 01761 415334 or the committee's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/midsomernortoncarnival">www.facebook.com/midsomernortoncarnival

A whole host of people are needed to help with the collections on carnival night. All are welcome, especially if you are working for a charity or club who are in need of funding. By collecting in a group, a payback of 40% of the money the group collects will be returned to help their chosen cause. Whether using a collecting vehicle or walking, please contact the Secretary on the telephone number above.