THE new Pill Carnival Queen has been crowned, more than three months ahead of this year's event.

The carnival committee has confirmed that 14-year-old Esther Healey will be this year's queen - she won the competition, with 15-year-old Connie Sefton the runner-up - and will be joined in the parade at Newport's biggest annual carnival on Bank Holiday Monday August 27 by court ladies Kyarna Smylie, Shanrque Chambers, Alexis Cuthbert and Lottie Brunnock.

The flower girls will be Andre Joseph, Sienna Kelleher, Ruby Halford, Samara Kaid, Sophie Davies and Ella May Swift.

Ann Barton,who organised the carnival queen competition - held at the Pill Harriers Club in Courtybella Terrace - said children from all over Newport took part.

"Thank you to all the children who came and it was a very difficult decision for the judges to make. Thank you to all the mums for bringing their children to the event," she said.

Entrants were between the ages of five-16 years, and prizes includes £50 cash for the queen and £25 for the runner up.

All the entrants will receive a goodie bag on the day of the carnival, and all dresses will be provided.

Pill Carnival, which traditionaly takes places on the August Bank Holiday, is a highlight of Newport's summer calender.

The parade starts on Alexandra Road, before continuing into Commercial Road, heading to Cardiff Road, and finishing in Mendalgief Road.

After the parade, celebrations continue on the fields next to the Pill Millennium Centre, with live music, DJs, a fun fair, food from all over the world, bouncy castles, dancing, and face painting.

Anyone wishing to run a float in the parade is asked to apply now, and the same goes for walking entrants, jazz bands, cheerleaders and food vendors. Call AB Florist on 01633 259249 for further details.