Carnival organisers are on the lookout for a new court to represent Deal at events around the coast.

Deal Carnival Community Association will select seven new faces at its annual selections at the Ocean Rooms, in Queen Street, on Saturday.

The successful few will attend weekly events around Kent, Sussex and Essex with the senior representatives also travelling to France and Belgium.

Chief executive John Trickey and his wife Rosie believe the experience of being part of a carnival court is empowering for young women and a chance to learn new skills and build confidence.

They say they're looking for applicants with beauty on the outside and inside and who are committed.

Doors will open at 1.30pm and judging for the rosebud competition, for girls aged five to seven only, will start at 2pm.

Entries for the junior court selection, for girls aged eight to 12, must be registered before 2.55pm, with judging from 3pm.

The doors will then close and reopen at 7pm in a bid to appoint the senior court.

Applicants must be aged between 13 to 24.

Check-in will be from 7pm until 7.55pm with the judging taking place from 8pm.

The new court will replace former queen Maciee Stanford, who resigned from her role part way through the year, and senior princesses Shannon Cartwright and Phoebe Mills.

The departing junior court is queen Sienna Foy, junior princesses Chloe Hayhow, Ellie Brown and rosebud Nancy Gillespie.

Mr Trickey said: “With the sad departure of Maciee this year, we'd like to thank our senior princesses who stepped up to share the responsibility and did us proud.

"We'd be proud to have either of these young girls be on the court again next year.

"We'd also like to commend Phoebe Mills for her 100% attendance at events.

"But the whole court has done a wonderful job."

Admission to the selection day is £4 but it is free to competitors, sash holders and the under-14s.

All entrants must live in the CT14 post code area and dress in formal attire.

To apply, collect a form from the East Kent Mercury office, 13 Queen Street, Deal, CT14 9FJ or fill one out on the day.

To enquire telephone John Trickey on 07890 942914.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal