WITH only a month until the biggest Great Dunmow carnival ever, the queen and her two princesses have been parading the county representing the town. Kim Carter, who was voted Queen for 2008/09, graced Walton-on-the-Naze with her presence as she boarded t

WITH only a month until the biggest Great Dunmow carnival ever, the queen and her two princesses have been parading the county representing the town.

Kim Carter, who was voted Queen for 2008/09, graced Walton-on-the-Naze with her presence as she boarded the special float on August 16, and took to the coastal roads with glee, saying that she really enjoyed the three mile route in the sunshine, adding that she was delighted to see it end at a funfair.

Dunmow carnival secretary Linda Herring said: "The girls looked so lovely and were cheered and clapped all along the route. They were great ambassadors for Dunmow and also were lucky enough to have some rides on the funfair, on top of that they even got their fish and chips!"

Dunmow's own carnival is just a few weeks away, and the town is set to come alive on September 20 as a huge precession, fronted by the queen and her princess, makes its way through town. The fun will continue in the arena all day and well into the evening, as a host of bands, entertainment, rides and fun-filled activities make their way onto the recreation ground.

Carnival committee member and long serving Dunmow town councillor, Ron Clover said: "We are just a few weeks away now, and we are still inviting people to enter the parade, which this year will be Magic, Mystery and Fantasy.

"The local shops have all been invited to enter the annual 'best shop front competition' which is always hotly contested."

Last year, clothes shop Cloud IX won the prize for their impressively dressed window, after judges deemed them to be worthy winners.

Mr Clover added: "With this years' theme already proving popular, we are expecting lots of fantastic entries.