Canterbury College Swale Campus students Katie-Ann Goodsell and Hannah Thompson are to share the honour of being Snow Queen.

Their first joint appointment is to help turn on the Sheerness Christmas lights at 4pm on Saturday, November 29.

Hannah, 18, who is studying beauty at the Bridge Road campus and lives in Harps Avenue, Minster, said: “I was shocked. I didn’t think I would be picked. I’m so glad we are doing it together.”

Katie-Ann, 20, a part-time barmaid from Maple Street, Sheerness, who is studying animal care at the college, was also delighted to share the title.

She said: “It’s brilliant we’re doing it together. It’s absolutely amazing and made my night.”

The contest, which attracted five entrants, took place on Monday night at the Belle and Lion pub in Sheerness High Street.

The double decision gave the organisers a headache as a second set of regal attire needed to be found.

Thankfully, Kelly Smith, one of the judges and manageress of the pub, agreed to pay for a second tiara and to help with the cost of another dress.

Also on the judging panel were Chris Reed of the Sheppey Promenade group and John Nurden, chairman of the Sheerness Town Team. Mr Nurden said: “Picking one queen was really difficult.

“It’s the sort of dilemma you would only find on Sheppey, but it just proves we are twice as nice.”

The girls will also attend the town’s first Christmas Market organised by the Town Team on Saturday, December 13 and they have already been invited to join the Queenborough Snow Queen at the Queenborough lantern parade on Sunday, December 7.