Vote for the Weymouth Carnival Queen 2011

The competition is one of the highlights of the event and it is up to you to choose who wears the crown.

Over the years dozens of girls have vied to be Queen for a day and to represent the borough for the following year.

This year is extra special as the girl chosen to be Queen will be an ambassador for Weymouth and Portland in the run up to the 2012 Olympics when the eyes of the world will be on the area.

And the three girls bidding to become Carnival Queen 2011 want your vote.

The public has to choose the beautiful ambassador who will represent the borough and lead the festivities on August 17.

The three finalists were selected out of 18 entries at Banus nightclub, organised by fundraising group Ladies Alive. The three lucky girls now face a phone vote, run by the Dorset Echo.

How to vote

• By Phone: Call 0901 1510 xxx adding the three digits under the queen of your choice. For example if it was Sarah Flann you would like to vote for simply dial 0901 1510 528.

• By Text: Send your text to 80360 starting with WEQUEEN leave a space, followed by the three digits under the queen of your choice.

Calls cost no more than 51p per call from a BT Landline. Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more.

Texts cost 50p plus your normal operator text charge. Telephone and text voting lines open until 14/08/2011 at 23:59:59PM. For full terms visit www.newsquest.co.uk/ terms.

Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

Sarah Flann - Dial 528

Sarah Flann, 26, grew up in the borough and went to school on Portland. She is a keen amateur photographer who has just finished a hairdressing course at Weymouth College.

Sarah has a daughter Tiegan, six, and is a full time mum at their home in St Mary Street, Weymouth.

The former Royal Manor pupil said: “It was a great atmosphere with great entertainment and to be Carnival Queen would be a great opportunity.

“I was born and raised in Weymouth and Portland and I feel they are very much part of me so I would like to give something back and bring to light those who contribute so much towards everyday life here.”

Lucy Compton - Dial 529

Lucy Compton, 20, is studying Human Geography at Aberystwyth University.

Lucy, a former All Saints and Thomas Hardye School pupil, lives in Chapel Lane, Upwey.

She said: “The night when we were chosen as finalists was such a fantastic night, I had a really good time.

“I’m so surprised to get through but really happy and excited to have the chance to represent Weymouth and Portland.

“It would mean so much to me to be Carnival Queen as I’ve always enjoyed watching the event with my family since I was a little girl.”

Jessica Miller - Dial 530

Jessica Miller, 18, is a former Budmouth and Thomas Hardye schoolgirl who has two jobs and lives in Knightsdale Road, Weymouth.

She works as an advisor for estate agent Fox and Sons and her boss from her second job at the Rock Hotel encouraged her to enter.

She said: “I was petrified on stage to begin with but I enjoyed it.

“When I was chosen I didn’t know what to do so I just ran down the stairs.

“I was so shocked as some of the girls were stunning.

“It would be great fun to be Carnival Queen.”