Maldon Carnival could be without a queen and princesses for the new millennium.

Despite appeals, there has not been one entry and -- with a week to go to selection night on April 17 -- court chaperone Elaine Staines has issued an urgent appeal for girls to represent the town.

"I would have thought it would be nice for girls to say they have been queen or princesses for the year 2000, but we have had no response whatsoever," said Mrs Staines.

"We have had girls turn up on the night, so there is still hope and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

"We are looking for girls who don't mind joining in and having a good time, but also helping represent Maldon."

Mrs Staines said that Maldon did not appear to be alone in finding it hard to attract a carnival court.

She had spoken to chaperones for other towns who had also experienced a lack of entries and she feared that carnival queens could become a thing of the past.

But she remained positive and said that the committee would have to look at other ways of attracting entries for next year.

Girls for this year's selection must be aged between 14 and 22 and live in the Maldon district area. Those under 18 need a parent's signature.

Selection night will take place at the Town Hall, Market Hill. Anyone interested can contact Mrs Staines on 01621 856310.

Teams are still being sought for an It's a Knockout competition to be held on carnival day, August 7.

Pubs, clubs or organisations with eight people split equally between male and female are needed, and each team is expected to be sponsored to the minimum of £100. Anyone interested should contact the entertainments chairman on 01621 853860.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.