SWANAGE has gone politically correct - abandoning its Carnival Queen and Princess roles in favour of three new event 'Ambassadors'.

A competition, to select three youth representatives for the popular summertime event, will be open to both boys and girls, and comes after carnival organisers say they "took onboard" feedback from supporters.

Carnival chairman Maria Foot said: "We are excited to be introducing a new event which is open to all children in our community.

"We hope these roles will provide a great opportunity for some of our local youngsters to get involved with carnival, find out a bit more about what is involved in organising such an event and how the money raised benefits those around us."

This year's Swanage Carnival Week, running July 27 up until August 3, has the 'Musical' theme, so the procession is likely to include revellers dressed as their musical icons, from bands and theatre.

Hundreds of activities take place during the eight-day bonanza, which attracts 10,000s and supports a number of local organisations and charities.

Last year more than £28,000 was raised for 23 chosen organisations.

On April 26 all children from Swanage, Studland, Langton Matravers, Worth Matravers, Kingston and Corfe Castle – who are in school years 6,7 and 8 – are invited to a disco with their family and friends at Swanage Bay View, from 7pm.

Youngsters interested in becoming one of the new ambassadors can buy a numbered ticket, for £3, and one winning ticket will be drawn from each year group.

A Swanage Carnival Committee spokesman said: "The ambassadors will be a key part of the carnival week, getting involved in lots of fun activities.

As part of the role, the three chosen carnival ambassadors will be representing Swanage Carnival at a range of local events and supporting the carnival committee by assisting with our events during carnival week."

Visit swanagecarnival for full details.