Mum Gemma Hold has spoken of her pride at seeing her daughter become a Kent princess.

Former Miss Sheppey, Jess Bye, was elected to Invicta Kent Carnival Court – the first Island girl to be awarded the honour.

It means the 16-year-old from Queenborough Drive, Minster, will represent the county at parades across the south east.

Gemma and members of Sheppey Carnival Court travelled to Deal Welfare Club for Saturday’s selection night which involved 16 entrants.

Gemma said: “I’m over the moon. The competition was so tough – the other girls were amazing.

“We weren’t confident beforehand, we really didn’t think she’d get it.”

Gemma, a hairdressing tutor at Sittingbourne Community College, said Jess enjoyed the success by stopping-off for a celebratory cheeseburger at Bobbing McDonald’s on the way home from Deal.

She said her daughter, a Westlands student who became the Island’s carnival queen last year, will relish the chance to take part in parades further afield.

“She’s been a member of the Sheppey court since 2011, so she’s used to the travel,” Gemma said.

“Jess likes meeting new people and Emily, the girl who’s Miss Sandwich, has become a good friend.”

The mum-of-two said her daughter’s first appointment as the county’s princess will be at Sittingbourne Carnival on June 20.

She’s not sure if her Jess will take a tilt at a national beauty title as she’s considering going to dance college next year.

Gemma’s certain of one thing, though…

“Jess definitely gets her looks from me,” she laughed.

“She was an ugly duckling who’s turned into a beautiful swan.

"I couldn’t be more proud.”