Our Accrington Carnival Queen competition is in full swing as we profile this year’s first entrant.

Accrington Academy student Rachael Collinson has put herself in the running for the prestigious title.

The 16-year-old from Great Harwood hopes to become a radio DJ and dress model when she is older.

Her hobbies include photography, baking cakes, shopping for clothes, singing, bowling and origami.

Organisers Accrington Lions are urging more women to follow Rachael’s lead and put their names forward for the competition, whose winner receives an exciting prize haul.

Tracey Simmonds, from the Lions, encouraged everyone to get involved.

She added: “I think quite often no one wants to be the first to enter but we’re expecting more and more people to get their entries in. Don’t be shy.”

Entry is open to women aged 16 to 30 who live or work in Hyndburn.

The lucky winner will receive £400 courtesy of Accrington and Rossendale College, a pamper day at Seasons Hair and Beauty Salons, £100 for a dress for Carnival Day from Extreme, Water Street, a tiara and £40 voucher for shoes and handbags courtesy of Julie at Barbara Kays, Whalley Road, Accrington, flowers from Garlands Florist, Union Road, Accrington, and hair and make-up on Carnival Day at 12A Blackburn Road, Rising Bridge.

She will also lead the parade at the Accrington Carnival which is being organised by Accrington Lions Club.

Judging will take place at Accrington Town Hall on Tuesday, May 21 and entrants must be available on that day as well as the day of the Carnival Saturday, June 15.

All entries must be submitted by Friday, May 10.

Entrants will not be asked to appear in swimwear and judging will be in the form of a parade in long or short evening wear.

Fill out the coupon and bring it to Trevor Adams Studios on Warner Street, Accrington where arrangements will be made to take your photo.

You can also download applications from the Carnival’s website: http://accringtoncarnival.co.uk/