A CARNIVAL queen has been sacked from her job at a leisure centre after allegedly slapping a work experience boy.

But Romi Jane Young, 21, will still retain her crown as event organisers Accrington Lions have given her their full backing.

Romi, of Station Road, Huncoat, was suspended from her job as a leisure attendant and lifeguard at Hyndburn Sports Centre over claims involving a 15-year-old work experience boy.

The Accrington carnival queen had been in the part-time job for eight months, with duties including spells as a lifeguard in the swimming pools.

She was suspended while an investigation into the allegations were carried out and this week learnt that she would not be keeping her job.

Peter Baron, chief executive of Hyndburn leisure Trust - which runs the centre, said: "We have now dealt with the issue and Miss Young is no longer employed with the Trust."

Carnival organisers said that Romi would remain as the town's queen until May next year, when a competition to find a successor would be held for the bi-annual event.

He added: "She has the full backing of the club and that's the end of the matter as far as we are concerned."

Romi, from Accrington, led the parade at the Carnival in June last year after beating 25 other hopefuls to be crowned Accrington's Carnival Queen.

She was unavailable for comment.