14 local girls, aged between six and 13 years, took part in the contest to select Ross-on-Wye’s Carnival Princess, on Sunday, May 21st, at the Larruperz Centre.

The girls were judged by two independent ladies, based on certain criteria, such as confidence and answers to questions given. The judges told the parents that this year, all of the girls scored very highly and they had been very impressed by all of the contestants.

Seven-year-old Tilly Stoneham was crowned the Carnival Princess, by last year’s winner, Maddie Morgan. In second place was eight-year-old Romerleigh Parker, and in third place was nine-year-old Molly French.

All of the girls who took part in the competition will join Tilly, Romerleigh and Molly on the float on the day of the Ross Town Carnival on Saturday, August 5th.

For her first public appearance, Tilly, the Carnival Princess will present The Reverend Lady Lisvane, the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, with a posy at the Hospital Fete on Saturday, June 3rd.

These pictures, and others taken by Gazette photographers, are available to buy online. Please visit rossgazette.newsprints.co.uk