CALLING all would-be carnival queens. Dorchester Round Table is on the hunt for contestants to take part in this year's competition.

The carnival queen contest was re-introduced by members of the group last year after a 10-year break.

Hairdresser Charlotte Pankhurst was crowned queen last June and, after attending events such as Lakeside Magic at Kingston Maurward and the Parkway Potter in Poundbury, will be back this year to help with judging.

Now the club is looking for more people to follow in her footsteps and become queen for the next 12 months.

The contest is open to all women over the age of 18 who are resident in Dorchester or villages in the DT1 and DT2 postcodes.

Round Table spokesman Mark Allwood said: "The competition will follow the successful format of last year's.

"There will be an evening competition on Thursday, May 24, at the Casterbridge Room in the Kings Arms Hotel.

"Contestants will be asked to wear two outfits: one being evening wear and one reflecting an interest, hobby or activity.

"Three finalists will be chosen, based on marks awarded for appearance and personality. The public will then have the chance to vote for their favourite, with the winner being crowned Carnival Queen on Carnival Day, Saturday, June 16."

Entry forms are available from The Lounge nightclub, Wedding Time, New Reflections hairdressers, Bojangles and the tourist information centre.

For details, visit www.dorchestercarnival. co.uk or e-mail marten@dorchesterround table.co.uk or call 01305 260852.

All those taking part in the contest will receive free entry for them and two friends to The Lounge nightclub for six months.