It was a case of third-time lucky for the newly-chosen Miss Cromer who has a name to match the crown which will be placed on her head during this summer's carnival celebrations.

Mum-of-two Lucy Royle was picked from half-a-dozen contenders vying for the chance to play a key role in Cromer's annual August fiesta of fun.

Lucy, 24, of Suffield Park, Cromer, has tried for the title on two previous occasions and was delighted when she was picked by judges at Cromer's Buddies Bar and Lounge last night.

She and her bricklayer fiancee Daniel Cubitt have two sons: five-year-old Cameron, who attends Suffield Park Infant and Nursery School, and Oscar, who will be one on Monday.

Lucy, a former Cromer High School pupil, works from home as a self-employed representative for children's book publisher Usborne.

She is also an active member of an informal group of mums, calling themselves the Buggy Brigade, who socialise together, having met through the Suffield Surestart Children's Centre.

'I've always wanted to be involved with the carnival and I've managed to persuade all of my family to look after the children while it's on!' said Lucy.

'I don't get the chance for much 'me' time as a mum and I wanted to do something a little bit selfish - go and have my hair done nicely and wear a pretty dress,' she added.

Her senior attendant will be 17-year-old Paston College student Hannah Lond-Caulk.

Hannah, who is studying for A-levels in English literature and language, psychology, media and photography, said she had decided to enter because she has always enjoyed Cromer Carnival and its atmosphere.

Hannah, who is also an ex pupil of Cromer High School, lives in Thorpe Market with her parents Nicki and Steven, and younger sister Emily, 13. She has a Saturday and holiday job at the Bewilderwood adventure park, near Horning.

Sponsors Woodrow Chartered Surveyors presented Lucy with �200 while Hannah received �150 from Buddies Bar and Lounge. Buddies also sponsored a �1,000 holiday voucher which was won during the evening by Tony Cox, from Cromer.

The search is now on to find two junior attendants for Lucy who will be chosen on Tuesday night at The Cottage, Cromer, at 7pm. Girls aged 12-16 are welcome to turn up on the night for possible selection with a �75 prize apiece for the winners, sponsored by Regency Fish and Chips.

And on May 15 children aged 11 and under are invited to apply to become the carnival prince and princess at an event which will be held at 3pm on Cromer Pier forecourt if dry, or in the Red Lion function room. The chosen royals will each receive �25 donated by the Suffield Park Spar shop.

All contestants must live within the Poppyland Partnership area of Cromer, Suffield Park, Aldborough, Aylmerton, East and West Runton, Felbrigg, Hanworth, Northrepps, Overstrand, Roughton, Sidestrand, Sustead and Trimingham.

And all must be able to attend the carnival all day on Sunday August 14 and Wednesday August 17 and, if possible, throughout carnival week.