THE three finalists have been chosen in the race to become Weymouth’s Carnival Queen.

A total of 13 girls headed to Banus nightclub on The Esplanade to prove that they should become the carnival figurehead and lead the procession.

The hopefuls wore casual clothes to take to the stage at the start of the night before being interviewed individually by the judges.

They then changed into evening wear to be interviewed on stage by the two comperes – Steve Davies, events officer for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, and Maria Greenwood from Wessex FM.

The eight judges finally decided that Michaela Frampton, 18, Natalie Round, 25, and Sally Anne Walker, 20, should compete for the crown in a public vote to be run through the Dorset Echo.

Miss Frampton, an architecture student from Rufus Way, Portland, said she overcame her nerves to enjoy the night.

She said: “The second time on stage I felt more confident and it was really good fun.

“When I was chosen I couldn’t believe it.

“I was so happy and it felt like an amazing achievement. I really enjoyed myself.”

A good crowd at Banus were also entertained by a New Look fashion show and a dance troupe from teacher Julie Storey.

Architectural technician Natalie Round, from Franklin Road, Weymouth, agreed that the night was great fun.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was chosen.

“I was so high on adrenaline that I was really late getting to bed and woke up early the next morning wide awake.

“It was a bit of a shock to get through.

“It was really good fun and everybody was so nice.”

Sally Anne Walker, a dance student from Dorchester Road, Weymouth, said: “It was a brilliant night.

“I was nervous at first but you’ve got to go for it if you live in Weymouth and if you want to represent Weymouth you might as well have a go.

“Everyone was lovely and when the judges came around and spoke to us it was a really nice chance to speak to them.”

The 13 hopefuls included Councillor Christine James, a member of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Georgina Grayson, of the carnival queen organisers Ladies Alive, said the night went ‘very well’ and said she was particularly impressed with how friendly all the girls were.

See the Dorset Echo soon for details on how to vote for your favourite.