THERE'S a lot more to being a carnival queen than simply sitting on a float and looking pretty - it's a lot of hard work spread throughout the year.

Just ask retiring queen Sarah Pook whose duties have included everything from laying wreaths to switching on Christmas lights.

She said: "My year as carnival queen has been really enjoyable and filled with memorable occasions.

"The morning after the carnival we attended a service of celebration at St Annes Parish Church to which the mayor, members of the carnival committee and the retiring queen had been invited.

"It was a service I shall never forget and the start of a busy year."

September saw Sarah and her retinue opening the church's autumn fair and a chance to try out her public speaking skills.

Then on Remembrance Sunday she walked from the Town Hall to the cenotaph in Ashton Gardens to a lay a wreath while December brought the presentation of cheques on behalf of the carnival committee and a visit with the mayor to the patients of Clifton Hospital.

Sarah showed her fundraising skills in March by organising a coffee morning which brought in £300.

"Saturday will be a mixture of happiness and a little sadness for us," she added. "My retinue have been proud and privileged to have held such positions in the town and we wish this year's queen Lindsey and her retinue as well as the carnival every success for the future."

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