IMAGE-CONSCIOUS teenagers are threatening the future of a carnival because they are too cool to take part.

Mersea Carnival organisers fear they could be forced to axe this year’s event, if they fail to find a carnival court.

Eric Straughan, organiser, said advertisements for a queen and princesses to lead the parade, on August 21, had received a dismal response. He said: “I have had a couple of replies, but nothing like we usually get.

“If we don’t get enough applications we will have to cancel the carnival, because we can’t do it without a queen and princesses.”

He blamed the lack of interest on the event being seen as unfashionable among the island’s youngsters.

Mr Straughan said: “I think it’s a teenage image thing. They think it’s not the done thing nowadays.”

The committee hopes to attract last-minute applications ahead of a selection event at Waldegraves Holiday Park on Sunday, between 6.30pm and 7pm.

Mr Straughan added: “I think young people should be more community-minded.

“It has to be good for their CVs when they leave school to say they represented the island.

“All my girls in previous years have done well getting jobs because of that reason.”

Entrants for the carnival queen must be aged 14 and above, and at least ten to be a princess.

Anyone interested in applying for this year’s carnival court, call 01206 385343.