IF nobody expresses an interest in becoming this year's Honiton Carnival Queen a seasoned 'royal' says she would love to step into the breach.

IF nobody expresses an interest in becoming this year's Honiton Carnival Queen a seasoned 'royal' says she would love to step into the breach.Isabel Stamp, 13, has been the carnival's glamorous figurehead for two years, and is having such a good time she'd like to keep her crown for a third year.The Honiton Community College student, who is the elder daughter of Graham and Pam Stamp, has had a ball - wearing a series of stunning dresses and enjoying different looks."I'm willing to do it all again, if nobody comes forward," Isabel told the Herald."I've enjoyed meeting people and waving."I also really like being on the carnival float and going to other towns across East Devon and beyond."Getting a glamorous make-over each week during the carnival season was something Isabel looked forward to."I was given different choices for my hairstyle, which I really liked," she said, reflecting on last year's processions.Isabel has added a right royal presence to events outside of the carnival season, too.Recently, she was a judge at the East Devon Easter Bonnet Competition, staged in Payhembury."Being Honiton Carnival Queen has helped to boost my confidence," she said."I really want to be carnival queen for a third time - and all my friends hope that I am."In an era when it is getting harder and harder to persuade young people to put themselves forward for roles requiring such commitment, Honiton and District Carnival Limited is fingers-crossed that someone, somewhere will want to take on Isabel's mantle.But, with just days to go before the deadline, carnival chairman Bill Austin is making one last appeal.He is urging for young people to get into the spirit of carnival - and to help further ensure Honiton and District Carnival lives up to its reputation as one of the biggest and best illuminated events in Devon.n TIME is running out to find a new carnival queen and royal family for Honiton.Young people aged nine and over are invited to apply for a place in this year's line-up.Candidates are asked to explain, in writing, why they would like to be carnival queen.Entries should be sent to either Jenny Allen, 7 Littletown Road, Honiton EX14 2DG, or Helen Turner, 4 Whitefield, Wilmington EX14 9JJ.Candidates will not be expected to raise money to win a place in Honiton's royal family.Closing date for entries is May 31. The carnival committee wishes to point out that successful applicants will be expected to attend all carnivals on the East Devon circuit.