WATCHET has a new carnival queen – 13-year-old Ella Duffield – who beat a quality field of entrants in the annual competition on Saturday (June 25).

Ella, pictured third from the left, will be attended by Fern Towells, 12, and the carnival princesses and princes, four-year-old Georgia Watson Lettie Sutton, eight, and Jack Sutton, five, and Cameron Stevens, seven.

The competition held by Watchet Live took place at the Royal British Legion club where there was also entertainment from BP sounds.

Carnival queen entrants had to undergo a short interview in front of the audience before joining the judges for an informal chat. The princesses and princes’ names were picked out of a hat.

Ella attends Danesfield Middle School and her hobbies include hockey, athletics, acting, singing, dancing and photography.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout,” said event organiser Julie Prescott.

“This year’s competition was one of the closest – all the four young queen contestants were exceptional, which made the judges’ job choosing very difficult.

“Everyone had a great evening with their families.”

She said the organisers would like to thank everyone who supported the evening and helped make it a success, including the judges, compere Pete Stevenson, the British Legion and local businesses who donated raffle prizes.

This year’s carnival is on Sunday, July 31, when Ella and her entourage will take part in the parade.

Photo: Terry Walker