AFTER a two-year break the carnival royalty has returned to Teignmouth with not one carnival queen, but two. Charlotte Osborne, 15, and Katrina Woodhouse, 13, were crowned after being chosen from several entrants at a selection evening in the Carlton Theatre. They were each crowned with a tiara and sash and received engraved carnival medals and certificates. It was a right royal occasion with two previous carnival queens, Melissa Middleton, who held the honour in 1985, and Anne Rickard, the 1974 carnival queen, judging the contestants and ensuring an established format. As well as the two queens, four attendants – Philippa Boyne, Grace Schooling, Bethany Elkins and Rebecca Brennan were also chosen along with two reserves – Hannah Drummond-Smith and Angus Drummond-Smith. There were two categories, the queens competition for 12-16 year olds and the attendants for 8-12 year olds. One of the organisers, Andy Morton, said it was a tremendous family night which was enjoyed by everyone in an excellent atmosphere. 'We were really pleased with the number who entered and who attended. 'The reason we have chosen two queens and so many attendants is that we have a new queen's float and as well as our own carnival procession we will be taking it to carnivals on the south Devon circuit. 'As well as the summer carnivals there are winter carnivals, which makes it a busy season,' said Mr Morton. The chairman of the carnival committee, Andy Ford, thanked the sponsors and all those who took part. 'It is a credit to Teignmouth that, after a few years without a queen, the 2006 competition was so well attended and held in such a wonderful atmosphere,' he said. Mr Ford added that without the support of some key local sponsors, the event would not have taken place. He thanked Paul's Hair Shop, Jo Kontetsky's mobile beauty shop, Woodland Leisure and Bodylecious for all providing valuable support. Teignmouth carnival procession is on Friday, July 28, at 7pm.
