The new Carnival Queen of Pewsey is 17-year-old Deanna Ellis, selected from eight entries, one of the highest number in recent years.

Former Pewsey Vale School student Deanna has just completed a year-long course at Wiltshire College and in September hopes to start an apprenticeship at a local equestrian centre.

She said: “Ever since I was about five years old I have wanted to work with animals because we have always had pets at home.”

Deanna, of Stratton Road, was elected on Saturday night by a panel of judges at the Pewsey carnival royalty selection evening held at the Bouverie Hall.

Her two attendants will be Zoe Spanswick, 15, and Megan Green, 14, who both live in the village and attend Pewsey Vale School. The other royalty for September’s carnival celebrations are princess Ashlen Sowerby, 11, prince Luke Helps, eight, and flower girl Amy Perry, seven.