A former Kent beauty queen is hoping to modernise the tradition of carnival courts as she appeals for entrants.

Kelly Kay revived the pageant in Sittingbourne last year after her daughter said she wanted to take part, but insists it is not about “sitting in a pretty dress and waving”, but a safe club to help girls build their confidence and socialise without the distraction of boys, social media, or alcohol.

Scroll down for poll

The former Whitstable carnival princess is now calling on youngsters to apply to be Miss Sittingbourne 2024.

Ms Kay said those selected for the court will be ambassadors for their area, taking part in countless events and representing their town.

She said: “I am really trying to change the minds of people who have the idea that the carnival court is an outdated idea of sitting on a float looking pretty and to show the community of Sittingbourne what wonderful work these young ladies get the opportunity to do.

“Being pretty has nothing to do with it. We want confident girls, or those who need a confidence boost in a safe place, to come forward and be proud to represent Sittingbourne.”

Last year Kelly said the ambassadors organised and attended fundraisers, visited nursing homes, took part in community events and travelled the county representing their town and acting as ambassadors for the community.

She said: “We want to give young ladies of Sittingbourne the chance to build CV credentials, gain confidence-building experiences and make life-long memories of positive and fun times.”

She added: “We are a club, the same as the Guides or Rainbows, who allow young ladies the environment to have a good time with other like-minded girls away from the pressure of social media, alcohol, or boys. A safe place, all while giving back to their community.

“In this day and age, young ladies need a space to have fun with their friends and just be girls who like to do the hokey cokey.

“We have fun dressing up in lovely dresses, meeting new friends, having a good time and giving back to our community by acting as town ambassadors.”

There are different categories based on age.

Miss Sittingbourne and her princesses must be between 13 and 24, and Miss Junior Sittingbourne must be aged between seven and 12. To apply click on this link.

Selection takes place at 2pm on Sunday, March 24 at The Appleyard in Sittingbourne.

Kelly is also working hard to bring the Sittingbourne Carnival back in August after a five-year absence.

“People grew up with the carnival running every single year. It makes up people’s childhood memories.

“Now it is being passed on to their children.”

Kelly says she loved the experience when she took part more than 20 years ago, adding: “It was so much fun.”

Shanice Jones, who has recently been announced as an official finalist for the Miss Kent regional final for Miss Great Britain 2024, has always been involved in the carnival court.

She represented her town and county as Junior Miss Sheppey in 2009 at the age of 13, and as Miss Sheppey 2013 when she was 18.

She went on to represent her county as the Court of Kent Queen in 2017.

Now living in Maidstone, Shanice beileves the contest showed her you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.

She said: “It helps promote confidence and also allows them to travel and meet new people and make friends for a lifetime.

“The opportunity is about representing where you live and is not about ‘looking pretty’.

“It really helped me grow into a strong, independent women, who is passionate about women supporting women.”

She said the competitions involve a lot more effort than people imagine.

She said: “There is charity work involved or volunteering in the local community. It also includes traveling to other events to represent and show support.

“There are different rounds for the actual competition normally consisting of an interview first where you can put your story across and the judges get to know who you are.

“Then there are fun rounds where you can show your personality and evening dress rounds where you get to put on an elegant ball gown.

“These are all to help girls feel good about themselves and that they are just as beautiful as the next both inside and out.”

Shanice, who works as a conference and banqueting manager at Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa, was runner-up for the title of Miss Kent for Great Britain last year and is hoping to go one better in 2024.

The 27-year-old is hoping to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish, a charity set up to eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

She said: “I want to show people that taking part in beauty pageants isn’t just skin deep and it represents hard-working, passionate and caring women, who support each other.”

Shanice will compete on July 14, 2024 at Eastwell Manor and Champneys Spa, for the title of Miss Kent Great Britain.

If she is successful she will secure a place at the national finals of Miss Great Britain in October.