The search is on for Weymouth's new carnival queen, as the carnival celebrates its 50th year and this year's winner will receive up to £1,000 in total prizes.

The organisers are now looking for entries - and three finalists will be chosen at Weymouth Pavilion on the evening of Friday, July 20.

The event, sponsored by the Dorset Echo, has prizes on offer from New Look, Debenhams, tReds, Blondz hairdressers and the Perfect Portrait Company. Entry is free, and the evening will include a fashion show by tReds. The event starts at 7.30pm, and doors open at 7pm.

After the three finalists are chosen, Echo readers will have a chance to vote for their favourite, by phone, post or text.

The final winner will be selected at the Carnival Ball on August 11 by combining the popular vote, as expressed through the Echo poll, with the votes of a panel of judges. The Carnival Ball is being organised by Ladies Alive at Weymouth Pavilion, four days before the carnival itself is held in the town on August 15.

Dorset Echo managing director Paul Kinvig said: "Weymouth Carnival is possibly the major highlight of the summer season in Weymouth if not the year.

"It brings together all parts of the community as well as a hugely important number of visitors arriving from around the area and further afield. As we are first and foremost a local business, I think it is hugely important that we support the carnival not least because of the amount of money that is raised and given away to local good causes.

"It never ceases to amaze me how much is achieved by such a relatively small group of people in the Round Table, so their energy and enthusiasm is to be commended and supported. I am just glad that in a small but hopefully important way we can go alongside the Round Table and help them celebrate this 50th anniversary by lending them our support for the £50,000 for 50 years target."

Entrants must be over the age of 18 and completed entry forms should be sent to: Robert Sedgbeer, PO Box 173, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9FR.

To enter the carnival queen competition, download an entry form here.