As the nation was gripped by coronation fever at the weekend a town is now looking for its own royal family to head its carnival.

A contest is open to find Miss Beccles and her royal prince and two princesses.

It is looking for girls and boys aged between eight and 13 for the role of Beccles Prince and Princess and for females aged 17 to 40 for Miss Beccles.

Miss Beccles and her three attendants have been part of Beccles Carnival for more than 50 years, and the winning contestants will represent the town at the carnival on the weekend of August 19 and 20.

They will also attend various functions, fundraisers and fetes and travel to other carnivals across East Anglia throughout the year.

The competition is being staged at 2pm on Sunday, May 28, at Hungate Hall in Beccles.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Carnival has a profound history - picture taken 4th August 1979 Beccles Carnival has a profound history - picture taken 4th August 1979 (Image: Submitted)

Annette Tackley, one of the carnival organisers, said: "We cannot stress enough that it is not a beauty contest - all contestants will be judged on their personality, poise, and dress sense.

"We are looking for girls that will represent the town and do it proudly at various events during the forthcoming year.

"The competition is open to all, so if you have a sister, daughter, mum, or friend who you think has what it takes to be Miss Beccles 2023, then get them to enter."

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Previous Miss Beccles and her Princesses and Prince at the town carnival paradePrevious Miss Beccles and her Princesses and Prince at the town carnival parade (Image: Submitted)

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All four winners will receive a cash prize and the dresses and suits will be supplied.

Friends and family are invited to watch the competition and tickets will be available at the door at the cost of £3 per person.

Admission is free if you are entering the contest.

You must live within an eight-mile radius of Beccles or go to school or work in Beccles to enter the competition, and entries will not be accepted on the day.

For more information and an application form, contact Annette Tackley on 01502 715671 or email becclescarnival@outlook.com