When this year's Sheringham carnival queen first took part in the annual event, it was as a young Brownie riding on the back of a float in the parade.

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham's new carnival queen Abbie Dowsett-Olby (centre), with attendants Chloe Hambling (left) and Natasha Grand. Picture: Karen BethellSheringham's new carnival queen Abbie Dowsett-Olby (centre), with attendants Chloe Hambling (left) and Natasha Grand. Picture: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

So, for Abbie Dowsett-Olby, being chosen to represent the town is a dream come true.

'I have always loved the carnival and joined in the events,' she said. 'Even my dog Digger entered the pet show and my cat, Winston, won best overall.'

Former Sheringham High School student Abbie sat her A Level exams just weeks before giving birth to oldest daughter Maisie, 6, and, aged 19, began working as a receptionist at Sheringham Medical Practice.

Abbie, who was chosen as carnival queen at a selection dance hosted by carnival committee members, went on to train as a pharmacy dispenser and, after three years at the surgery, began working at Lloyds chemist, in Station Road.

She has been on maternity leave since the birth of youngest daughter Lily five months ago and says seeing last year's carnival queen - young mum of two Jade Roberts - inspired her to enter the contest.

'People can be quite judgemental and being a young mum can knock your confidence,' Abbie, 25, explained. 'But seeing Jade last year made me realise that you can do it, so I decided to have a go.'

Abbie will be joined on carnival crowning day by attendants Chloe Hambling, 17, who is studying for A Levels at Dereham Sixth Form College while working part-time in a Sheringham clothing store, and Natasha Grand, 24, who juggles working at a town centre discount shop with looking after five-year-old daughter Layla.

The trio were chosen by a panel of judges made up of carnival vice-chairman Della McClean, former carnival queen Lizzie Swanson, beauty salon owner Jo Mezzetti, who will be doing the girls' make up, and local hairdresser Mandy Meeds, who will be doing their hair.

Abbie, who says she is particularly looking forward to the prince and princess selection disco, which takes place on July 28, said: 'I have lived in Sheringham all my life, I went to school here and I work here, so being carnival queen is a fantastic opportunity for me to represent the town and be part of such an exciting, family event.'

For more information on carnival events, visit www.sheringhamcarnival.com