Carnival celebrities are chosen

Youngsters took to the stage at Longleaze School in Wootton Bassett hoping to win the right to wear the carnival crown.

The 17 girls taking part were judged by Judi Ferries (consort to the deputy mayor), Rotarian Marie Bernhardt and Miss Swindon Catissa Creighton, who will be a Miss England contestant this year.

Carnival Queen Abbie Selby, a pupil of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, likes acting, swimming and cycling. Carnival Princesses are Aimee Masi, a Longleaze School pupil, and Lauren Tanner, of St Bartholomew's Primary Academy.

Two Butterfly Princesses, Bethan Farr, of Wootton Bassett Infants School, and Cianna Edmondson, of Longleaze School, complete the line-up. Cianna wanted to get home quickly to contact her dad on Skype, as he was in Dubai on business. "He said he hoped I would win – it's so exciting!" she said.

Every entrant received a commemorative certificate. There were sashes and cloaks for the winners, who will have the honour of a prime place in the carnival procession on May 16 .

A carnival raffle will be drawn at The Five Bells on Saturday, a week before the big day. Crooked Stove Pipe, a ceilidh band, will entertain at the pub from 8pm. Everyone will be welcome to enjoy Scottish and Irish jigs and reels, and there will be a collection for carnival funds.