THE search for Melksham's carnival queen is over despite a disappointing response from would-be entrants.

Last year's carnival princess, 20-year-old Angela Holbrook, volunteered for the role in the nick of time.

It was feared the poor turnout of potential queens would force organisers to scrap the role altogether.

Plucky Angela agreed to take on the role and join the parade around the town on August 17.

Music, dance and craft events have been planned for this year's carnival.

Miss Holbrook, of Holbrook Vale, has called for the townspeople's support.

She said: "My mum and dad are having to come back early from holiday to see me in the role.

"I know people in the past have not been bothered and it has been a bit disappointing some years.

"Last year the car carrying the carnival queen broke down and we all ended up on the fire engine with the firemen so I am hoping everything will go well this year."

Carnival butterfly queen Tamsin Stuart, seven, and princesses Candice Keen-Memis, seven, and Chloe Wright, five, were picked at Melksham Hospital fete two weeks ago.

Skittles tournaments and a rock and roll event featuring Johnny and the Jailbirds will kick off the carnival week on August 10.

A Spot the Oddity event will start at the beginning of next month, while on carnival weekend, a party in King George V playing fields will top proceedings.

A dance spectacular is to be held at Melksham Assembly Hall on August 17 from 12pm.

An appeal for transport companies to help out in the town carnival was made this week.

Cllr Geoff Mitcham said a lack of donated vehicles to double-up as floats could threaten the event.

He said: "We just need transport companies to come forward and help us out. It would be nice to get a large number of floats in the procession."

Anyone who would like to get involved can contact Cllr Terri Welch on (01225) 702800 or Cllr Geoff Mitcham on (01225) 706463.