Taylor, 12, to be Wem carnival queen

Taylor Evans, aged 12, will take on the role for the big event in Wem, which is being held in September.

Jade Hunt, 12, will be the princess, and eight-year-olds Louise Hinks and Amelia Harrison, both eight, will be the attendants.

The girls were chosen after submitting applications and then being judged by members of the carnival committee.

Their roles include attending fundraisers and riding on a carnival float.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event on September 7 to enjoy carnival floats, music, a fair and two processions. Organisers need to collect £10,000 to cover the costs of putting on the extravaganza.

To help them reach their target a cake sale was held at the Lower Lacon Caravan Park on the outskirts of Wem in May and the annual duck race at Mill Dam last month.

Donations have also flooded in from Christmas raffles, an Elvis tribute night in February, businesses, schools and clubs, and Wem Town Council, which has pledged £1,000. Admission to the carnival field is by donation and there will be a free TV raffle once again.

Races for children were introduced during a fun day for the Diamond Jubilee last year and bosses said they proved so popular they will be back this year for the carnival.

Visitors will also have a chance to win a flight donated as a grand raffle prize by Shropshire Aeroclub.

Sue Holliday, secretary of the Wem Carnival Committee, said: "Our programme is currently being put together and we would like to thank all who have taken out advertisements to help the carnival in this way.

"Our duck race beat all expectations with record sales of 963 ducks which, after expenses, made £853 profit.

"There will be two parades – at 1.30pm and the illuminated one at 7.45pm.

"Fun will continue all afternoon on the carnival field.

"Special attractions organised for this carnival day include the Taiko Drummers in the new Jubilee Square at 11am and an aerobatic display by Bob Pooler over the carnival field."