Canvey Carnival organisers today urgently appealed for a new princess after the teenager chosen to fill the spot was forced to step down due to ill health.

Amy Seaton, 15, has already been chosen as queen of the court but her princess Michelle Slate, 18, is unable to take part due to work commitments and imminent hospital treatment.

Michelle's mother, Celia, who is also the carnival's press officer, said a replacement must be found as soon as possible.

She said: "We actually need two princesses and at first Michelle thought she would be able to help but has been forced to pull out.

"We have lowered the age limit and would now ideally like to find two girls aged between 11 and 14. It really is a lovely experience and the chosen youngsters can put it on their school records."

The princesses must live on Canvey and if chosen would become ambassadors for the island and the borough. Work would involve attending local functions, giving out prizes, and going along to other carnivals and dances.

Dresses are provided and anyone interested should write a letter explaining why they want to be a princess, enclosing a current photograph.

Letters should reach Mary Dallas at 30 Meadway, Canvey, SS8 7DJ, by March 22 as the official crowning is in April.

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