Combe Martin carnival queen winner drawn from the hat

MEMBERS of the new Combe Martin Carnival committee couldn t choose between the candidates who wanted to be the queen at this year s event. So they resorted to a tried and tested method and drew the name of the winner from a hat! As a result, 16-year-old C

MEMBERS of the new Combe Martin Carnival committee couldn't choose between the candidates who wanted to be the queen at this year's event.

So they resorted to a tried and tested method and drew the name of the winner from a hat!

As a result, 16-year-old Charlotte Coombs from Combe Martin was selected, and will now play the key role in the carnival.

Her three attendants are Aimi-Jayne Mackay and Abby Minns, also from the village, and Jasmine Clarke, from Ilfracombe. They are all 16.

Committee members Charmian Chugg, Claire Burgoyne and Carol Crawford oversaw the selection.

Carol said: "It was a real joy to meet these young ladies, as they each showed great passion for the carnival and for their local community. They will now become the faces of the carnival, helping to drum up support for the various events that are planned throughout the week."

As well as the prestigious title, the Carnival Queen receives �50 prize money, a makeover from local make-up artist Jane Bowden and a voucher donated by local hair salon Scissors. Her attendants each receive �25, with the official crowning taking place on the opening night of the carnival, Saturday, August 8.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles to help with the smooth-running of the carnival. As a result, a sign-up evening was held on Monday at The Royal Marine.

Carnival Committee chairman, Rob Schofield, said: "We've been amazed by the strong support that local businesses and people have given Combe Martin Carnival.

"However, there's still time for others to come forward and play a key role in this great event. Positions available include marshals and traffic co-ordinators, as well as helping with admin work, such as signing in entrants."

Meanwhile, organisers are keen to remind people that aside from the operational positions, it is the role of entrants that help make the carnival a success.

The Village Bakery, in King Street is supporting carnival byy perfecting its latest creation - the Carnival Cake - which will be exclusively available during carnival week.

Keith Palmer, who owns and runs the bakery with his wife Helen, said: "Everyone in the village is doing their bit for Combe Martin Carnival, so this is something we can do to show our support. The week is geared towards ensuring thousands of local people and visitors have a fun time in the village - therefore I hope this Carnival Cake will go down equally as well, as a scrummy carnival treat!"

The actual recipe is being kept top secret, although local cider sourced from Indicknowle Farm in Combe Martin will be one of the key ingredients.

For more information on the carnival programme, visit www.combemartincarnival.com.