THE ROYAL representatives have been chosen and preparations are in full swing for the 2012 Puddletown Carnival.

A host of activities will take place in the run up to the main carnival day and procession on Saturday, July 14.

Mel Rolls, 32, was crowned Carnival Queen at the Carnival Princess Disco.

She will be joined at the head of the procession on Carnival day by Princesses Lily McIntosh, 7, and Ebony McIntyre, 8, as well as the winning Prince Harvey Knott.

Judging was carried out by Rosalind Woodhall from Tiaras and Crowns, who also donated dresses and tiaras for the big day, and Jeff Andrews from the Dorchester Youth Centre.

Classic Beauty in Dorchester has also offered to support the carnival by doing the Queen’s make up.

Carnival chairwoman Sharlene Lewis said: “Rosalind said it was a hard decision with all the pretty girls and handsome princes but there could only be two Princesses, one Queen and a Prince.

“They are all looking forward to having their dresses fitted and heading the procession on July 14 at 5pm and all the events leading up to the big day.”

There is a packed programme of events in the week leading up to the carnival, including a sponsored walk, bingo and duck race.

On Friday, July 13 there will be a warm-up event at the Recreation Ground in the evening before it hosts the main event and procession the following day.

Over the years Puddletown Carnival has raised thousands of pounds and this year it will be collecting funds to help start up a youth club in the village.

Miss Lewis, who is in her first year as chairwoman, said: “This year all the money we are raising is going towards the youth club in the village because the youth of Puddletown haven’t got anything.

“We thought if we put it all towards the youth club it would be money well spent.”

She added that she was hoping for the sun to come out on the day to ensure a big turn out and a successful day.

Miss Lewis said: “Hopefully it will all turn out well and the weather will hold.”

Get ready for a week of fun

Saturday, July 7

• Coffee morning in the Village Hall with competitions to design a flag for when the Olympic torch passes through Puddletown

Sunday, July 8

• Sponsored walk setting off from the Village Hall at 1pm covering five-mile route through the countryside

• Songs of praise event in The Square from 6.30pm Tuesday, July 10

• Carnival Bingo in the Village Hall with eyes down for 7.30pm

Thursday, July 12

• Duck race in the backwater down at the River Piddle from 6.30pm

Friday, July 13

• Warm up event at the Recreation Ground including live music, bar, barbecue and fair

Saturday, July 14

• Main Carnival day from 1pm at the Recreation Ground with stalls and entertainment

• The procession will start at 5pm and the day will finish with a fireworks display