PRESTWICH carnival queens played host to visiting royalty for their annual court of queens event.

More than 60 queens from all over the region converged on the Longfield Suite in Prestwich for an afternoon of fun and fundraising.

The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillors Barry and Sharon Briggs, and a raffle raised £218 for charity.

The money raised will go into the main charity pot and the queens will continue to raise funds throughout their reign.

Carnival queens organiser Janet McAvinue said: "The court of queens went very well: the Longfield Suite was packed! This event gives the Prestwich carnival queens a chance to welcome girls from other areas as throughout the year, they visit neighbouring carnivals and events representing Prestwich."

Mrs McAvinue will soon be looking for new girls to represent Prestwich in the carnival and plans to hold a selection event in March.

Anyone interested in becoming a carnival queen should contact her on 0161 773 8467.

The job offers the opportunity to make new friends and help out in the community, as well as taking part in the carnival parade in June.