CHILDREN have been chosen to lead this year’s Puddletown Carnival.

Jess Thomson, 12, was glad she entered the competition at the last moment as she was selected as the Puddletown Princess.

Her attendants will be Lilly Lamb and Molly Bray, both nine.

Toby Thomas, eight, is the Carnival Prince while Brook Coles, 13, is Miss Teenager.

All the youngsters will be on the float that will lead the carnival procession on a fun-packed day of events.

Carnival chairman Damian Lockie said the turnout at the competition was a little low this year but that a good time was had by all.

Mr Lockie suspected the low numbers was due to the fact that the final of Britain’s Got Talent was on television at the same time.

He said all the girls will have a dress made for them by R.A.W. Fashion Designs of Weymouth, which has sponsored the event for a number of years.

The Puddletown Carnival Princess Competition kicks off events leading up to the big day on Saturday, July 9.

Carnival week begins on July 2 with a coffee morning followed by a sponsored walk, Songs of Praise and a traditional pub sing along on July 3. A bingo night will be on July 5 and then on July 7 it’s the famous duck race down the River Piddle.

Events on carnival day itself will be held on the Recreation Ground as normal and the fun includes sideshows, stalls, a fun fair, arena displays and the grand prize draw.

The procession will depart on a new route around the village at 4pm and the day will end with a firework finale.

Mr Lockie said although the Puddletown Princess competition is only for village children to enter, people and organisations from outside Puddletown were welcome to contribute to the day itself, including entering a float in the procession.

He said: “There is still time to be part of this year’s Puddletown Carnival. We have a few stall spaces available and we are still looking for event sponsors.”

If you are able to support the event in any way contact Mr Lockie by email damianlockie@gmail.com