Deal's new carnival queen has been selected after wowing judges at a special selection event.

Maciee Stanford, 18, has been crowned the new Miss Deal for 2019 and will be ditching her designer trainers for petty dresses after she beat off competition from five others.

The former Goodwin Academy pupil who is now a full-time cleaner replaces 2018-19 queen Taylisia Short.

She decided to put herself forward for the position after spending a year on the court as a senior princess.

Chief executive of Deal Carnival Court Association, John Trickey, who hosted the selections event at The Ocean Rooms in Deal on Saturday, said: "We have got to know Maciee over the last 12 months and she's a beautiful girl, just wonderful.

"She's so kind with children too, she really looks after them and we have no doubt that she will take great care of her court over the coming year."

The teen, who enjoys singing, drawing and dancing, was judged on a personal interview, her deportment and charisma.

She signed a contract at Deal and Betteshanger Social Club in Cavell Square on Wednesday night, and committed to lead her court at Deal Carnival and other processions and events across the South East in the coming year.

Joining her on the court are senior princesses Phoebe Mills and Ellie Dix.

Nine-year-old Sienna Foy was crowned junior queen, impressing the judges with her "permanent smile."

Chloe Hayhow and Evie Brown are junior princesses.

Completing the court is six-year-old rosebud queen Nancy Gillespie, whose sister Daisy held the same position two years ago.

Mr Trickey said the junior selections was the most tightly fought with 17 entrants.