The new carnival court for Witham was crowned at a special selection evening.

Judges John and Carol Honeysett and Sonia Wiskin had the tough task of selecting just three lucky young ladies from 16 entrants to head Witham carnival on Saturday, July 13.

After speaking to each of the young women at the evening held at the public hall, Collingwood Road, Witham, the judges announced their choices.

The carnival queen will be Kelly Vincent, 17, of Christina Road, Witham, the senior princess will be Maria Pengelly, 14, of Alectus Way, Witham, and the junior princess will be Jade Gathercole, 11, of Guithavon Road, Witham.

Joanna Hendricks, vice-chairman of Witham Carnival Association, said: "The judges said the quality of the contestants this year was particularly high.

"They had a very hard time making a decision."

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002