Southend is preparing to celebrate its final carnival of this millennium and a bumper crop of teenagers have proved eager to wear the crown for the historic event.

Fifty girls turned out at the weekend to compete for the posts of queen and princesses - but only three lucky ones could be chosen.

This year, for the first time, a trouser suit will be included in their wardrobe for official functions.

Nicola Taylor met the girls who are making history.

Southend Carnival is an institution.

Yet it is trying to keep pace with the times without discarding tradition, not least in its choice of carnival queen and princesses.

Feminists may scoff at the idea of a contest where young girls vie for the chance to wear long dresses and crowns.

But the successful candidates need to be capable of much more than simply waving at crowds from an adorned trailer.

The three chosen girls must display the personality and initiative to be able to talk to people.

They will enjoy semi-celebrity status during the carnival period, when around 100,000 people from across Essex and beyond will watch them in the seafront procession. They will also be called on to open fetes, judge dog shows and cuddle beautiful toddlers.

They also act as diplomats for Southend, a town that needs to attract visitors to survive, when they visit carnivals in other towns.

With this in mind it comes as no surprise that two of the girls attend grammar schools, and all three have their sights set on high-flying careers.

The new queen, Vicky Reynolds, 17, has just started studying for four A-levels at Southend High School for Girls.

She has already mapped out her path through higher education and into fashion journalism.

Having been a carnival princess in 1995, she comes to the role with experience to match her passion.

Vicky, 17, of Shoebury, said: "It is really nice to be able to put something back into the community by visiting nursing homes, meeting disabled children and raising money for charity.

"I love having the chance of being able to meet people whom I would not normally come across."

Emma Tyler, 13, of Eastwood, could not believe it when she heard she had been chosen as one of the princesses.

The Westcliff High School for Girls pupil said: "I saw the carnival court last year and thought what they were doing looked really interesting.

"I am really looking forward to going to see lots of people and finding out about their lives and work."

Mixing with people is one of Emma's favourite pastimes, and one she wants to incorporate into her career as "some kind of manager".

Like Emma, fellow princess Laura Matthews, 13, watched last year's court with envy.

She said: "I chatted to the princesses and found out what their job involved. Being one of the court is about having your own personality and being able to talk to people, which I really enjoy doing."

The 13-year-old, of Westcliff, plans to train as a lawyer after leaving Prittlewell School.

Two days after being selected, career ambitions were put to one side for the evening as the girls, watched by their chaperone, David Seago, discussed what they will wear for their duties.

They discussed fabrics, patterns and colours with the carnival's dress designer, enjoying their consultative role.

For the first time this year they are to have a trouser suit as well as two gowns each.

Although the outfit is designed for practicality ("We had a few problems last year getting on and off the fairground rides," said Mr Seago), it has brought the carnival look into the 21st century.

Surveying his charges, Mr Seago said: "These girls may be young but they all know exactly where they are going.

"When we choose the court we are looking for personalities. We want girls who can speak to people, make eye contact, hold an intelligent conversation.

"If they are pretty, which these three are, then that is an advantage."

He added: "There were 37 applications for princesses and 17 for the queen.

"It's very good and up on last year because I think we are going through a carnival revival in Southend. This is really a personality contest. Our judges interviewed everyone and asked them about their likes and dislikes.

"They will meet quite a few local dignitaries throughout the year."

Material girls - Emma, Vicky and Laura choose fabric for their outfits

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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