PILL’S carnival queen has been announced ahead of this year’s nautical-themed carnival which will celebrate the centenary of Newport’s docks.

Sixteen-year-old Kirsty O’Brien was chosen as carnival queen at Pillgwenlly Millennium Centre on Sunday, June 29 ahead of this year’s carnival on August 25.

The carnival, which marks 100 years since the docks were completed, will see 22 floats in the parade and a visit from the mayor.

Five court leaders and five flower girls were also chosen to assist Ms O’Brien while Mataya Tunney was named as the attendant to the carnival queen.

Florist-owner Ann Barton, who is in charge of running the competition to find a queen, said there will be a special presentation of an award created in memory of councillor Ron Jones who died last year.

Councillor Jones had been on the carnival committee but tragically died in the early hours of the morning after last year’s carnival.

Ms Barton said: “There will be a special award in Ron’s memory for someone who has achieved something special or made a difference.”