28420/9CARNIVAL season is nearly upon us and Trowbridge has a new carnival Queen ready to take on her duties.

Georgina Matthews, 20, won through at the final of the competition on Friday, impressing the three judges.

Organiser Maryrose Mantle said: "She had poise and confidence, even when she walked up to the stage you could see her confidence."

The judging panel picked the eventual winner after a tough selection procedure at the final, held at Trowbridge Snooker Club, and friends and relatives of the finalists were there to cheer them on.

Cumberwell golf pro Steve Surrey was on hand to crown the winner, chosen after being interviewed separately by the judges.

Miss Matthews beat off the competition from five other finalists, with Rachel Gallac-her chosen as her attendant.

One of the judges was Wiltshire Times editor Toby Granville.

He said: "The standard of the contestants was very high and it was a really difficult choice to make.

"In the end Georgina's personality impressed us and we considered her someone who will represent the town very well during her year as carnival queen."

This year the role of the Queen has been expanded beyond taking part in the September 11 carnival.

She will be called on to represent the town at various civic functions including the mayor's annual civic dinner and the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Miss Matthews will also have the opportunity to enter the Wessex Carnival Queen competition in which all the circuit winners will have a chance to be crowned the area Queen.

The carnival committee are also looking for teams to enter the soap box derby, to be held on September 5.

Further details and entry forms are available from Scholars, Trowbridge.