Three young lads have been selected as the first ever Swanage Carnival youth ambassadors.

Earlier this year carnival organisers announced there would be a marked departure from the traditional carnival queen and princess roles in favour of the new positions.

So a competition, open to both boys and girls, was held to select a trio of youth representatives for the popular summertime event.

The move came after carnival organisers said they had taken onboard feedback from town residents.

Alex Lucas, aged 12, Seb Wright, aged 11, and nine-year-old Reece Johnson have been selected as the carnival's first ever youth ambassadors.

Carnival spokesman and former event chairman Becky Mack said: "Our youth ambassadors of 2019 will be representing Swanage Carnival during the year, helping to organise, judge and take part in carnival activities.

"One of our aims for 2019 is to engage more youth support and we hope that the ambassador role will inspire youngsters get involved.

"This year our youth ambassadors will be getting involved with the children's party night on the Thursday evening of carnival week at Sandpit Field."

For 2019 the carnival has the 'musical' theme, so the procession is likely to include revellers paying homage to their music idols.

And during the children's party night the youth ambassadors will be helping children's entertainer 'Jimi' from Swanage Bay View Holiday Park with song lists, games and competitions.

Becky said: "Following the party, talented young artist Amber Titchener, whose first single release as singer and co-songwriter 'Tick Tock' has recently premiered on Radio 1, and has received more than one million views on YouTube, will be taking to the stage, with a guest appearance from local favourites Galaxy Thief.

"And to close the night we welcome back one of our most popular bands, The Reptiles, who will make sure you are singing and dancing the night away, an evening not to be missed."

Hundreds of activities take place during the eight-day bonanza, which attracts 10,000s and supports a number of local organisations and charities.

Last year more than £28,000 was raised for 23 chosen organisations.

This year the carnival is scheduled for July 27 up until August 3.

Visit swanagecarnival.com for further details.