A NEW queen will be crowned when Northwich Carnival takes over town at the weekend.

The event starts at 1pm on Saturday, July 4, when the traditional parade leaves Old Warrington Road and makes its way to the main arena in Verdin Park.

It will be officially opened by Northwich's mayor Cllr Andy Stott before Barnton teenager Ella Richardson, 13, is crowned carnival queen by Tricia Friar, who was queen herself 50 years ago.

Barbara Turner, from the organising committee, said: "Ella is getting all excited now.

"I always like the crowning ceremony and seeing the children all dressed up, but I love all of the carnival, it's in my blood."

Ella's retinue includes Neve Lightfoot as maid of honour, Phoebe Little as empress, Emily Beschorner as maid of honour, Grace Chennell-Kokoruwe as princess, Emily Porter, Georgia Tomlinson, Shania Rimmer and Ruby Goulden as flower girls, Holly Porter as rosebud, Kelis Johnson-Riley as petal bearer, Sian Millington and Olivia Fraser as train bearers, Molly Beschorner as fairy queen, Summer Tyson as a fairy, William Butler as an elf, and JJ Rimmer as crown bearer.

Entertainment in Verdin Park during the afternoon on Saturday includes birds of prey, bands, dancers, Vale Royal Drum Corps, a display from New Era Boxing and a puppet show.

Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children, with proceeds going to the Salvation Army and the Samaritans.

Sunday's plans include a car boot sale and dog show.

Barbara said: "We've had excellent sponsorship this year from local businesses, which has enabled us to go ahead with our plans, we've had help from the Round Table and the Ladies Circle and Hartford WI is doing the catering.

"People are really pulling together so that it's going to come off and be a great event."