Crowning glory as Willenhall Carnival Queen is chosen

Some Black Country towns may be struggling to find a carnival queen - but in Willenhall there is no shortage of girls keen to don a tiara and take on the glamorous role.

This year six young women were vying for the role as queen. A selection event took place on Saturday at the CHART Centre in Gomer Street to crown this year's queen.

Winner Stacey Senior was the oldest of all the entrants at 26 and lives in New Invention.

She said: "I have got a bit of a political motivation. I am a social worker, I cover this area and I have been given a lot of freedom to make a difference and what I have had the chance to do is get to know communities. It is probably one of the only platforms left for community spirit."

Entrant Sally Kirk, aged 19, from Short Heath is a policing student at Wolverhampton University. She said: "It is about being proud of where you are from." Amy Downes, aged 19, from Hawthorn Place, Bentley, said she had hoped to use the experience to raise money for breast cancer charities, while catering and hospitality student Cat Smith, aged 19, from Walsall Road said: "The competition is a chance to get your voice heard."

Hairdressing student Laura Weston, aged 21, from Rose Hill said she wanted to "make Willenhall a better place". And youngest entrant Nicole Seaton, aged 17, who is studying media at Walsall College, said the contest was good for the community.

Winners were chosen for the carnival's cherub, munchkin, rosebud and princess. This year's carnival is on June 11 at Willenhall Memorial Park from 11am. To run a stall call Sharon on 01902 411611 or 07909627736.