A QUEEN, two princesses and a prince have been chosen to represent Colchester and star in the town’s first carnival for ten years.

The lucky youngsters were chosen from dozens of hopefuls by judges, but like many queens and princesses in fairytales, they have nothing to wear for the big day.

Sharnie May-Allwright, 16, has been chosen as carnival queen, but now has to find an outfit for the September 5 event.

Her mum, Michelle, said: “We have to try and find Sharnie her own outfit for the event, not just for the Colchester Carnival, but for all the other carnivals that take place around Colchester.

“It is only in three weeks, so the pressure is on us to find something.”

The quartet hopes to get sponsored by businesses in the town that provide evening and prom wear. Pam Boon, from Colchester’s PA Model agency, has been organising the carnival court. She is providing the tiara and sashes, but said finding the funds for the youngsters outfits had proved a struggle.

She said: “It is a real shame for Colchester because everyone is trying very hard to get the show on the road and make the first carnival for ten years a big success. Unfortunately, funding for the outfits is just not available.”

Carlie Labdon, 11, and Bukola Noah, 12, have been chosen as the carnival princesses and six-year-old Harrison Tuckwell, will be the prince.

Event organiser Ian Goldsworthy said he has spent weeks talking with council bosses, the police and the army, requesting road closures and dealing with health and safety issues.

He said: “Hopefully it will all be worthwhile.”

Anyone who can sponsor the youngsters, or help in anyway is asked to call Pam Boon on 07739 726099.