The new carnival court to represent the town across Kent has been unveiled.

Outgoing Miss Sittingbourne Laura Petch handed over her title to Heidi Knight.

The 16-year-old was chosen during a selection ceremony held at Woodcombe Sports and Social Club, Murston Road, Murston, on Saturday.

Her two princesses for 2013 are Shaunie Jarrett, 17, and Hannah Bradford, 18, who maintains her title from last year. All three live in the town.

The judges were News Extra editor Matt Ramsden, borough and county councillor Mike Whiting and Laura Lawrence, the mother of Maria Lawrence who was Miss Sittingbourne 2010.

Before being selected, each of the four entrants were interviewed individually before speaking about themselves in front of an audience of family and friends plus 12 other visiting courts from round the county.

There was a disco and a raffle to help raise funds before the former court gave their goodbye speeches.

The new court was then welcomed on stage.

Sittingbourne Carnival Association chairman Pam Griggs said: “They all did very well when they were interviewed and I’m looking forward to working with them.

“Their first appointment was on Monday at Brocades Bridal Studio in Station Street, Sittingbourne, where they were measured for their regalia dresses. They seemed to get on very well and were very excited.

“On Saturday we will be attending the selection dance of the new Herne Bay Court.”