Former queen delighted with return of the Bognor Carnival

The carnival's revival by town councillors after a four-year absence features the presence of the first carnival queen since the mid-1990s.

The contest was dropped by the then organisers at Bognor Regis Lions Club because of a lack of interest.

But there was plenty of competition when Dr Sedgwick lined up in her posh evening wear at a selection show and dance at the Rex Ballroom in the early summer of 1964.

"There were about 30-40 of us taking part," she said. "It was all very proper. We didn't wear any swimsuits. It was exciting being the carnival queen. I remember going and getting a lovely dress.

"I sat in the back of an open car in the parade waving to people and also on one of the floats.

"I was also filmed for a TV show about a day in the life of a carnival queen. I was filmed in the little train which used to go up and down the pier in those days."

Shelley Road resident Dr Sedgwick, 63, a former GP and a founder trustee of St Wilfrid's Hospice, said Saturday'sreturn of the carnival was a positive move.

"I am delighted the carnival has been revived," she said. "It's really good for the town.

"It's also a good idea to hold it in June. It's about local people putting the floats together and taking part.

"People will still be around whereas, when it was held at the end of July, a lot of people were on holiday and it was difficult to get them together."

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