THE Eynsham Carnival Queen for 2011 has been named as Bartholomew School pupil Naomi Ganderton.

The 14-year-old was named on Saturday as the Carnival Queen for the July event in July.

Naomi, of Merton Court, said: “I was really shocked but really happy and excited.

“My friends were going in so I decided to enter too.”

Her deputy will be Sophie Beesley, 15, and her four attendants will be Beth Partlett, 11, Rebecca Singleton, 11, Caitlin Bint, eight and Holly Slade, six.

The organisers invited four judges from outside the village to decide on the winners.

Julie Jordan, chairman of the Eynsham Carnival committee, said on Saturday: “We have a disco and the girls have a jig around and then the judges choose the girls for each age group.

“And then, depending on how many enter, we whittle it down to five or six finalists.

“The compere then chatters to the finalists to give the judges a better idea. It’s a bit like Miss World, but on a less grand scale.

“The younger girls especially think it’s wonderful.

“They get a nice dress, and they get to be a princess for the day.”

On the day of the carnival the queen will lead the parade and will hand out prizes for the best fancy dress and best floats.

The carnival is in its 64th year and will take place on July 2.

Roads around the centre of the village will be closed to allow the parade, complete with floats, a marching bands and plenty of people in fancy dress.

There will also be a fun fair, barbecue and a craft marquee, and St Leonard’s Church, High Street, will hold a flower festival on the same day.

In the evening, there will be entertainment, including from acrobatic performers Stannage International High Fall Show.

Mrs Jordan said: “It’s a real big weekend for the village.

“It’s a fun day, full of entertainment for all the family.

“There’s such a lot going on, it’s a lovely atmosphere and just a fun day out.”