VYING for the title of Dorchester Carnival Queen are three very different women.

They are all hoping to win your vote and serve as an ambassador for the town over the next year.

Judges picked three finalists in the first round of the contest – but now they need your help. Vote for your favourite in our phone poll.

The winner will be crowned on Carnival Day – June 20 – and announced on June 19 at the town’s Party in the Park event.

The runners-up will be the Queen’s attendants on Carnival Day.

It couldn’t be easier to vote. Decide which contestant you think should be Dorchester Carnival Queen 2009.

Once you have made your choice, all you have to do is call 0901 151 adding the four digits of your choice. For example, if it was 0123 you would like to win simply dial 0901 151 0123.

You can text vote too: Send your text to 80360 starting DORCHCQ, leave a space and then the four-digit number corresponding to the candidate of your choice.

Calls cost 50p per call from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more. Texts cost 50p plus your mobile operator charge. Telephone and text voting lines open today and close at midnight on June 18. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

Forty per cent of money raised in respect of the telephone voting will go to the Round Table for distribution to local charities.

THE CONTENDERS

Jennifer Dite - voting number 0319

MUM-OF-ONE Jennifer, 24, from Poundbury enjoys socialising with her friends and meeting new people.

She works as a care assistant and has ambitions to become a nurse.

Jennifer said the craziest thing she had ever done is apply for this competition.

Raising money for charity is one of Jennifer’s interests – she will be running the Race for Life in Dorchester on May 31.

She said: “I enjoy going to the gym, going for walks, swimming and cooking.

“I love Dorchester and I would love to be in a position to promote the town if I were chosen as Carnival Queen. It would be great to be involved.”

Hollie Hyde - voting number 0320

FLORISTRY student Hollie, 25, from Poundbury is studying at Kingston Maurward College and enjoys being creative and making her own arrangements.

She is a fan of insects, and likes spiders in particular.

Her ambition is to be the best person she can be.

Hollie is a member of ‘The Karma Army’ and tries to carry out random acts of kindness.

She recently spent 20 minutes helping a pensioner to look for a washer on the ground.

Hollie said: “I would love to win. I think that I respond to people quite well from my own age group.

“I really hope that people vote for me because I’m kind, funny and honest.”

Leoni Ling - voting number 0321

DORSET Residential Homes supporter worker Leoni, 26, from Crossways was taken aback when she heard that she had qualified for the semi-finals.

She said: “I was so surprised. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

Leoni, mum to Ruby, three, and Finley, two, enjoys swimming and walking her new puppy.

Her ambition is to complete her NVQ in management and to do a health and social care degree.

She said: “I’ve spent time raising my two small children and it’s now time for me to give something back to the community.

“I like to get involved with things I feel passionate about.”