TEIGNMOUTH Carnival is set to revive the age-old tradition of carnival royalty this year.

It is on the lookout for would-be queens and attendants for the prestigious role. The tradition has been lost for the past seven years and the team is hoping that youngsters between eight and 18 will come forward. The carnival dates back to 1853, when a mile long procession of horse drawn floats wound through the streets of Teignmouth to mark the independence of the port from the control of Exeter. The carnival has since become a summer attraction in the town, with all manner of fantastic themes. A competition to find queens and attendants is being held at the Carlton Theatre on Saturday, May 20. The committee is on the lookout for boys and girls aged between eight and 12 for attendants and girls aged 12 to 18 for the queen. There will be two queens this year to take the honour of representing Teignmouth at other carnivals throughout the south west. A panel of judges will choose the lucky winners, with prizes in each category. But judging is no mean feat, said committee spokesman Andrew Morton, and it is hoped that a past carnival queen will take the honour. 'Judging will be a difficult task and we are hoping that a past carnival queen will come forward to lend their expertise,' 'The carnival queen is a real tradition for Teignmouth and one we hope to revive. It is great fun and a chance for Teignmouth to be part of the wider carnival community,' he said. To find out more, visit the website at http://www.teignmouthcarnival.co.uk">www.teignmouthcarnival.co.uk or telephone Frank Netley on 01626 864374.