Deal’s new regatta court will be selected next week and there is still time to enter the three competitions.

The winners will be representing the town at carnivals throughout Kent and also attending other events around the South East.

Retiring Deal Carnival Queen Suzy Chapman said: “I would encourage anyone thinking of taking part in the selection to go along and take up this brilliant opportunity to represent Deal.”

The judging takes place at the Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal, on Saturday, February 7, when the doors open at 12.30pm for the rosebud queen selection at 1pm.

A new junior court will be chosen at 3pm and the doors close at 5.30pm to reopen at 7pm for the senior court selection at 8pm.

Admission will be £3 and all entrants and under 14s an enter free of charge. Entry forms are available from the Mercury office at 13 Queen Street, Deal, Mark One Music in Victoria Road, Deal, and the tourist office at the Landmark Centre.