YOUNGSTERS with a regal flair are being invited to apply for the position of this year’s Astwood Bank Carnival queen, prince and princess.

Applications for the role of prince or princess must be completed and handed into Astwood Bank First School reception by Friday, May 8 with informal interviews taking place on May 15.

To qualify, participants must be aged between 6 and 13 and either live in or go to school in Astwood Bank.

Prospective carnival queens should be aged 14 to 25 and live within a 10 mile radius of Astwood Bank.

Applications should include a short piece about their hobbies, relevant information and a picture and be sent to Alison Jones at 10 Avenue Road, Astwood Bank, Redditch B96 6AU or emailed to behindthesehazeleyes@live.co.uk by May 31 with interviews taking place on June 4th.

The queen, prince and princess will travel in a horse-drawn carriage around the carnival procession route on July 11, and will be expected to participate in other events during the year.

Last year’s carnival queen, Molly Jones, said: “Carnival has always brought a community spirit around the village of Astwood Bank.

“As carnival queen last year I felt honoured to be at the heart of this exciting charitable event and hope that our next carnival queen will feel just as much a part of this event that brings everybody together.”

Alison Jones, the carnival royalty co-ordinator, added: “This is always one of the great privileges and highlights of the carnival year in finding our new members of royalty, and as ever we are expecting some very enthusiastic applicants.”

Application forms for the roles can be found on the carnival website www.astwoodbankcarnival.co.uk.