Miss Sittingbourne has been crowned UK Carnival Queen.

Heidi Knight, 17, travelled to Flamingo Land in Yorkshire to claim the title, competing against 35 rivals from across the country.

Contestants took advantage of the venue’s rides and activities before the serious business of selecting a court.

Heidi was chosen as Senior UK Carnival Queen with an accompanying princess and was presented with a sash, trophy, tiara and a certificate.

In a Facebook posting after the result was announced, she said: “Had the most amazing weekend.

“Made a lot of new friends, went on my first rollercoaster ride.

“Can’t believe it myself, been crowned Miss UK Carnival Queen for 2014.”

Heidi, who took the Sittingbourne title earlier this year, will begin her UK reign on January 1, 2014.

It means over the next year she will attend carnivals all over the country.

Pam Griggs, chairman of Sittingbourne Carnival Association, said: “I was very proud to hear Heidi had taken the UK title. To win it out of nearly 40 people that attended is a real achievement.”

UK Carnivals formed seven years ago to create a national court. This year’s event was a double triumph for Swale, Marni Pennell from Faversham being named as Junior UK Carnival Queen.