Carnival royalty in seventh heaven

THREE members of Oldham Royelles dance troupe have been selected to represent Great Britain in carnival royalty.

Five-year-old Lexy Scoggins has been crowned new carnival rosebud, while her sister Savanna (11) scooped the carnival princess title and Lauren Higgins (21) became carnival queen.

They were each judged on grace and charm, figure and diction during the Carnival Queen of Great Britain competition, where they battled 50 others for the titles.

The trio will now represent the troupe at galas, carnivals, hospitals, fundraising events and church fairs across the land.

But the Royelles scooped a further four carnival honours at the competition of Manchester and North-East Cheshire Carnival Organisation Queens, held on the same day.

Four girls came away with prestigious titles from Manecco — deemed to be the longest-running carnival organisers. Amy Roberts (11) took the Manecco Princess honour, Chantelle Rhodes (12) was crowned Little Miss Manecco, while Caitlin Pearse (12) took the title of junior queen and Chealsie Kay (16) became organisation queen.

The troupe, which rehearses at the RAF building in Wellyhole Street, Lees, is always looking for new members. Simply go along to rehearsals from 6-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.