MORE than 200 people competed for the prize of being royalty for the day as part of Shildon's carnival preparations.

A parade of 30 floats and decorated vehicles will take to the streets on Saturday, starting at the Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, at 11.45am.

Leading the procession will be carnival queen Shiralee McGuire, from Sunnydale School in the Town.

She will be accompanied by princesses Alex Waites and Billie-Jo Hayes and attendants Nikki-Louise Clark, Sara Willis and Gabiela Harle.

They were among 209 hopefuls who competed for the title on Sunday.

The carnival, organised by Shildon Chamber of Trade, attracts hundreds of people.

This year the parade, featuring several bands, will travel along Spout Lane, Middridge Lane, Albert Street, Church Street, Main Street, Byerley Road and Middleton Road.

The vehicles will then park in the town's recreation ground, where the centre arena will provide a host of entertainment, including Ridgeside Falconry Display, Teesdale Pipes and Drums and the 4th Parachute Regiment.

Stalls and information stands, including The Northern Echo's touring van, will also be at the event.