Join The Carnival

But you can wave those winter blues goodbye as the Littlehampton Gazette launches the 2002 Littlehampton Carnival Queen and Junior Princess competitions to reign at this year s event on July 13.

So, if you are female, live within a six-mile radius of Littlehampton and are aged between 16 and 23, then why not apply to become the next Littlehampton Carnival Queen?

And for younger girls aged between eight and 12, living within the six-mile radius, there is the opportunity to apply to become the next Junior Princess.

Entrants need to fill in the printed coupon in the Gazette, January 17, and tick the box, depending on whether you are entering the Carnival Queen or Junior Princess competition.

Entrants will also need to make sure they are free on July 13 for the big day and prospective Junior Princesses are asked to send in a photograph with their entry.

Don t worry if you don t have any suitable pictures handy as photographer Paul Millen has kindly agreed to take pictures of Junior Princess entrants for just 5. Call him on 01903 730124 for an appointment.

The 2002 Carnival Queen will be showered with money, designer clothes and a lifestyle to match, so it really is well worth entering.

For a start, she will receive a 200 cash prize donated by the generous souls here at the Littlehampton Gazette.

Then, there is the the designer dress, sportswear and daywear for her to wear on all her official engagements throughout the year, as well as the Cuff Miller trophy and a replica.

In addition, the Queen will be treated to a colour portrait sitting at Paul Millen s photographic studio in Beach Road.

There will also be two runners-up to the Carnival Princesses and they will each receive 100, generously donated by Belchamber and Co Estate Agents.

They will also each receive a designer dress, sportswear and daywear as well as a trophy and colour portrait sitting at Paul Millen s studio.

The Junior Princess will receive a trophy and 50, donated by Millfield House residential home, with two runners-up to be flower girls, each receiving 25 and trophies.

The Junior Princess will also receive a family portrait and 8in x 6in portrait at Paul Millen s studio.

There is no entry fee for either competition, but instead we are asking contestants to make a gift to the Chestnut Tree House Appeal (suggested donation 1).

So, what have you got to lose? Find a pen and fill in the coupon and post it to: Littlehampton Gazette, Carnival Queen/Junior Princess, 34 Beach Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5HT.