THE quest is on for the new Miss Taunton, with a grand final selection night set for Tuesday, September 25.

And the winner's first duty starts just four days later, when she appears at Wellington Carnival.

The contest, run by the Taunton and District Carnival Committee, is open to women aged 16 to 30 who live, work or are being educated in Taunton Deane.

They will be interviewed on the night by compere David Fotheringill in front of a panel of judges, including Taunton Deane Mayor and Mayoress Ken and Mary Hayward; Mike Pinney, of building group Rok, who sponsor Taunton Carnival; Louise Sheppy, from Sheppy's Cider; and Teri White, the current Carnival Queen.

The lucky winner will be crowned on the night and will win £200 cash, a weekend in London courtesy of Sheppy's Cider and many other prizes donated by local firms.

Miss Taunton will need to be available at road races, including Taunton Marathon and Taunton 10k and other town centre events.

The highlight is an appearance as Taunton's Carnival Queen with the Carnival Princess on the Royal Float at Taunton Carnival on Saturday, October 20.

*Further details about the Miss Taunton contest and entry forms are available from Carnival Committee Secretary Iris Williams on 01823-275241.

The closing date for entries is Friday, September 21.

*If you want to vote in the competition to choose this year's Taunton Carnival Princess, make sure of your copy of the Somerset County Gazette on Thursday.