BRIDORT crowned a new Royal family at the weekend.

Bridport Carnival has a new Queen, Princess and attendants for the 2016 event, which is on August 20 .

Asha Ali, 15, will lead the team as Queen, Jess Boylin, 10, is her Princess and Molly Rayner, 9, and Chloe West, 7, are the attendants.

In a change from recent years the carnival committee decided to revert back to a personality-based contest rather than a a talent-style one - and were rewarded with many more candidates.

Carnival committee chairman Shaun Fox said it was a great start to the carnival.

He said: "It was a good afternoon and we had a good representation of girls.

"I think this format worked better.

"The judges were carnival club members Dana and Laurie Barker from Axminster and Sharon Turner from Chard and were very impartial.

"It was a good start to Carnival 2016."

Committee royalty liaison Becky Fox said the judges wanted to know why each of the 10 candidates wanted to be involved, what they liked most about carnival, what their hobbies were, and how would they do to help promote the event.

She said: "It was more about personality and confidence and how they came across."

The girls were also observed at the disco to see how confident they were dancing and mingling.

Becky added: "We didn't feel the talent contest was good, it was holding us back from getting entrants. People didn't feel they had a talent and it was putting them off. This is more universal, anybody can enter and anybody can win."

Queen Asha said she wanted to be part of the carnival Royalty because she felt so privileged to be part of such a lovely town.

She said: "We are very lucky to have amazing beaches and lovely countryside. I love going into town with my friends and feeling part of a community.

"I think is will be amazing to represent Bridport in the carnival."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Bridport carnival queen and princess contest. Carnival queen Asha Ali. Picture:JOHN GURD JG17769

Jess said it had been her dream since she was little to be on a float waving and smiling at everyone.

She said: "I used to watch the princess go by and think it would be an honour.

"I would like to inspire young girls to take part and be proud of where they come from by leading the carnival."

Outgoing Queen Kirsty Ellison said she had had an amazing year and grown in confidence so much she is now vice chairman of carnival club and helps Becky with royalty liaison.

She said: "I had so many opportunities, it was a real honour."