HONITON has a new carnival queen and royal family following a crowning ceremony, held outside St Paul s Church.

HONITON has a new carnival queen and royal family following a crowning ceremony, held outside St Paul's Church.

The occasion marked the end of Isabel Stamp's reign as carnival queen; a role she carried out with great enthusiasm and commitment over two years.

Had a new queen not been found, Isabel would have happily served a third year at the helm.

Honiton Community College student Ella Symonds is the new carnival queen and Zara Sillitoe and Lauren King are princesses.

Hannah Enticott is the attendant.

Carnival president Myrtle Harris, who was due to perform the crowning ceremony, was unable to carry out the duty due to illness.

Former mayor Councillor Vernon Whitlock, a great supporter of Honiton and District Carnival, stepped into her shoes - to ensure Honiton was represented at Seaton Carnival, the first illuminated procession on the East Devon circuit. Town crier Dave Retter added a touch of traditional colour to the proceedings. Carnival committee members worked throughout the summer on a new, themed royal float, To The Ball, which took a first prize at Seaton Carnival last Saturday.