TEENAGER Channelle Healey will be bringing a regal touch to Pill Carnival this summer.

The 13-year-old from Castle Street beat off tough competition to be crowned the 2005 Carnival Queen for the August 29 event.

At the judging ceremony there was a hugh cheer from the audience as Channelle was announced the winner.

Organiser Ann Barton said: "For the first time we opened up the competition to girls from Newport and beyond but everyone was thrilled when Channelle won as she is a local Pill girl."

Channelle, a pupil at Duffryn High School, said: "I've taken part in the carnival before on other floats and I love it. I can't wait to get out on the parade as the queen. I'll have to start practising my royal wave!"

At the judging ceremony held in Pill Millennium Centre, Sara Morgan and Serena Adams, both 13, were named as the queen's attendants. Hannah Morgan, 11, Kayleigh Baylis, 12, and Xenia Chambers, 12, became court ladies. Flower girls were Tiarna Greenaway, seven, Alicia Glasgow, five, Georgia Lewis, five, Hannah Price, six, and Laura Meredith.

Faced with the task of judging was Argus news editor Tamsin Curtis, Eireen Sakke, Louis Georgio, Paul Matthews and Diane Johnson.

Radio presenter Tony Wright compered the judging and encouraged the girls to bring out the best of themselves.