A search has been launched for 25 Accrington Carnival Queens.
The organisers of the biennial carnival, sponsored by the Observer, are on the lookout not only for the 2015 queen but every queen dating back to 1965 in order to commemorate 50 years of the event.
The assembled queens will have the honour of leading the parade in front of thousands of onlookers.
Tracy Simmonds, president of the Accrington Lions which is organising the event, said: “This year is a bit special because it will mark 50 years, and this year there will be a 25th queen crowned.
“We want all the queens on one float leading the parade. We know of 17 past queens and are trying to contact them all so they can get involved.
“If you know anyone who was a queen or have any information about any of the queens please get in touch.”
Tracy added: “The carnival is something that all the community look forward to and it’s an honour to lead it out.”
Tracy Stevenson, 49, won the prestigious title back in 1985 and encouraged girls to put themselves forward.
Tracy, who owns fashion store All the Rage in Peel Street, said: “I would encourage girls to get involved. It’s not all about looks, it’s about personality and there are a lot of nice young girls out there who might think they will not get picked but it’s a great event and I would put yourself forward.”
She added: “When I won it in 1985 there wasn’t a crown or cape it was a very low key affair really. We went to the Lar-de-dars nightclub in Accrington which was the place to go. It was like a Miss World event, you had to wear a casual outfit and evening outfit and then there was an interview.”
Entry is open to women aged between 16 and 30 who live or work in Hyndburn.
The carnival queen will receive £400 courtesy of Accrington and Rossendale College, a pamper day session at Seasons Hair & Beauty Salons, a tiara and £40 voucher for shoes and handbag courtesy of Barbara Kays, flowers from Garlands florist and hair and make up on Carnival Day. There will also be prizes for the runners up.
The event is set to take place on May 7, and the deadline for applications is April 24. Application forms and criteria can be downloaded from accringtoncarnival.co.uk. Completed forms should be taken to Trevor Adams Studio, Warner Street to arrange a photograph for publicity.
