ONE of the most traditional rites of spring - the competition to be named carnival queen - is to get under way in north Worcestershire.

Girls in Kidderminster are getting ready to put in their bid for the chance to be crowned this year's queen - as well as the opportunity for younger ones to be princesses and rosebuds.

The winners will have pride of place at Kidderminster carnival on Saturday, June 18, and lead the procession of floats.

The contest will be held at Kidderminster Town Hall on Sunday, April 3, and organisers are expecting dozens of girls to take part.

An panel of judges will be looking for girls with "charm and personality" and entrants must either live or go to school in Kidderminster.

There are cash prizes for the girls, who must be aged between six and 18.

They can enter on the day, with the doors opening at 10am.

For an entry form, contact chairman Colin Hill on 01562 7651634.