THE leading lights of this year's Northwich Carnival will be chosen this month.

A selection event for the 2016 carnival queen and her retinue takes place at the Gladstone Club, in Station Road, on Sunday, February 21.

Sections are available for girls and boys aged between four and 15 years old who live in the CW8 and CW9 postcode areas.

Barbara Turner, from the organising committee, said: "We never get many boys so they would be very welcome."

Girls wishing to be considered for the roles of carnival queen or ladies in waiting should be aged between 13 and 15 on the day of selection.

For empress or maids of honour roles girls muse be aged 11 or 12.

Princess and flower girl roles are for nine and 10 year olds.

Rosebud and petal bearers should be seven and eight.

Fairy queen and train bearer roles are for five and six year olds and four year olds can take part in the retinue as fairies.

Boys aged five and above can take part as crown, sceptre and sash bearers and as page boys.

Boys aged four can take part as elves.

Registration for the event is from 1pm to 2pm.

Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children.

Barbara is also appealing for anyone who wishes to be involved in the carnival in any way to get in touch.

"It's important to be part of this historic tradition," she said.

"We would also be grateful to anyone that would like to sponsor the event in any way.

"Let's make it a fun family event and a real summer highlight."

The carnival itself takes place on Saturday, July 3.

For more information ring Barbara on 01606 76113.