GRID placings have been decided for the Mazda Magna British Pedal Car Grand Prix in Ringwood today, Sunday July 13.

Carnival queens, town criers, and television personalities joined anxious racers in the town's Market Square for the "concourse d'elegance" on Saturday morning.

Town mayor Cllr Brian Terry, and Ringwood School head teacher Christina Edwards, chose their three favourite machines.

"The workmanship and understanding is incredible. I won't make a prediction for the race - I don't want to get lynched," joked Cllr Terry.

The Pink Panthers, the Barton Moments, and Fagan's Junior Rocket will start the Daily Echo-backed race in first, second, and third positions.

Race organiser Jim Stride denied good-natured allegations of a fix after his daughters' car scooped top slot on the grid.

"I'm amazed and really pleased. We're going to wipe the floor with the Crazy Frogs," said Jim, in a reference to the current junior champions and his daughters' main rivals.

The coronation of the Ringwood Carnival Queen and her attendants folllowed the judging of the cars.

Nicola Barratt, 16, a GCSE student at the town's secondary school, was crowned by BBC TV presenter, Roger Finn.

"I found out I would be Carnival Queen at my school prom in April. I didn't enter the competition until late because I didn't think I would win," said Nicola.

"I'm looking forward to presenting the prizes in the race. I haven't prepared a speech, but I'm sure I can make something up," she added.

Ringwood resident and South Today presenter Roger said he had been delighted to help with the coronation.

"The pedal car grand prix has really put Ringwood on the map. It gets bigger and more professional every time," said Roger.

And the BBC man didn't rule out a future entry from a team of colleagues at the network's Southampton studios.

"There's always a chance. It's such huge fun," he said.