Woodbridge Carnival Queen could turn out to be a man or a boy this year – in a new twist to the traditional event.

Instead of picking a queen and princesses, carnival organisers, in association with Woodbridge haart estate agents, have decided to make the choice of royal successor to current queen Jessica Shire an elaborate fancy dress contest.

It means men and women, boys and girls of all ages can join in and have fun getting dressed up as a queen to raise cash for their chosen charities – and this could include the rock band, famous monarchs both real and fictional and even drag or pantomime queens.

All entrants will form part of the parade through the town on July 5.

Judging will take place in the main arena and the winning queen – The Queen of haart – will win an £500 for their chosen charity, kindly donated by the estate agents.

A spokeswoman for carnival organisers Choose Woodbridge said the aim was to open up the carnival to more people.

She said: “This way any one can enter to be Carnival Queen and play their part in the carnival.

“We have a thriving range of local groups, clubs and charities that can use the opportunity to raise money.

“Plus we can bring bit of the fun, glitzy colour and pantomime of Rio to the carnival to make it a real spectacle for the crowds.”