DREAMS came true for three teenage girls who were crowned as this year's Southend Carnival Court.

The court, made up of the carnival queen and two princesses, will spend much of the year attending public events and raising money for charities alongside Southend mayor.

The three girls, who were crowned at St Thomas More High School, Westcliff, will also take pride of place at the Southend Carnival in August.

A delighted Rachael Burrell, 17, from Southend, will be the carnival queen for 2008.

Rachael, a South East Essex College student, said: "This has been really special occasion, especially for my family as my sister and me are both lucky enough to be part of this year's court."

She will be joined by her younger sister Eyse, a 14-year-old Eastwood School pupil, who has been crowned a princess alongside Dani Evans, 15, from Westcliff, who goes to Westcliff High School for Girls.Eyse added: "I'm nervous, but I'm really looking forward to getting out there with the girls to represent our town."

After being chosen in February, the girls were crowned by David Amess, MP for Southend West, and deputy mayor Gwen Horrigan.

Gemma Steptoe, of Southend Carnival Association, said: "The crowning ceremony went really well.

"The girls were very excited at the thought of representing the town.

"Pretty much every Saturday from now until December, they will have something to do.

"It will be a full-on, but enjoyable year for them. It's an important role."

The carnival runs from August 8 to 16, including a funfair in Chalkwell Park, a dog show in Priory Park and, on Saturday, August 16, a procession of floats along the seafront. The court will have its own float at the back of the parade.

Last year, the carnival raised £4,000 for the StrokeBusters charity plus £3,000 for the Carnival Estate in Leigh, which helps under-privileged older people. For more details, go to www.southendcarnival.org.uk