THE queen is returning to Verwood this year.

After being absent last year for the first time in decades, the Carnival Queen will make a return for Verwood Carnival 2014. Candidates for the queen and the two princesses are requested to attend the selection process on Sunday, March 16, at the Verwood Guide HQ at Manor road, 2pm.

This year the minimum age for queen candidates has been reduced to 14 in the hope of getting more entries.

Candidates for princess must be aged nine to 13 years, while those wanting to be queen must be aged 14 and up. Candidates must live in Verwood or Three Legged Cross. Call 01202 826908 for more information.