Organisers of the long-awaited Sudbury Carnival are celebrating after receiving the first few applications from potential carnival queens.

When there appeared to be no interest from the town’s young women, there were fears that a break with tradition could be on the cards and a carnival king would have to be considered for the leading role.

But now carnival committee chairman Jack Owen is confident the August bank holiday procession will be lead by a queen and her princesses, who will be chosen from the applicants at a special dance at the Delphi Club on May 24.

Mr Owen said: “Preparations are going well with the princess applications already into double figures and at long last applications for the carnival queen are starting to trickle in, which means we will not have to go through with our threat to have a carnival king!”

To get involved in fundraising events to support the carnival, or to buy tickets for the dance, call Mr Owen on 01787 374025 or visit www.sudburycarnival.org for details.