THE finishing touches are being applied to the Teignmouth Carnival royalty's new float in time for their first engagement next weekend.

Carnival queen Gemma Butler, 13, princess Elle Parsons, nine, and two attendants – Mollie Parsons and Annabelle Davey, both five – will have a conveyance fit for royalty when they grace South Brent Carnival on Saturday, June 27, the first of ten engagements this summer.

'What have I let myself in for?' joked royalty coordinator Julie Hurley.

This is her second year in the job. Last year the carnival royalty travelled in open-topped cars. Since then more than £3,000 has been raised to pay for a new 24ft trailer, which is being built by Teignmouth firm Bailey's Plant and Groundworks Ltd.

The theme of the new vehicle is being kept strictly under wraps, although Mrs Hurley divulged that it would have 'moving parts'.

'It will be ready for the 27th, but the theme is highly confidential,' she said.

But the float will have a top and heavy transparent plastic curtains which can be drawn in inclement weather. It will also boast a kitchenette and changing area.

The carnival royals were crowned last month by then mayor Cllr Fred Tooley, followed by a slap-up tea at the Pickwick.