DELIGHTED mum Pam Durston has described the moment her daughter was crowned the Wroughton Carnival Princess as “better than winning the lottery”.

Ten-year-old Bethany Durston won the prize following a competition at Wroughton Junior School.

She will lead the procession this year with school pal Dylan Shortridge, who also beat off tough competition to be crowned Carnival Prince.

The two youngsters took part in three rounds to test their levels of regality, which saw them deliver their best royal speech, entertain the audience with their most royal talents and eat a messy cream slice with their best table manners.

More than 30 children applied for the chance to be the most important people on the big day, and this was whittled down throughout the school week by teachers and fellow students.

Six girls and six boys took to the stage during the school disco to impress the judging panel, made up of Swindon Advertiser reporter Katie Bond, Stuart Veal from Haskins Garage, who provide the car for the couple to travel in during the procession, Susan Heavens from Bluefin Insurance and Rachel Dunn from Arval.

Bethany impressed judges with her rendition of Jordin Sparks’ One Step At A Time, while Dylan showcased a video of his best street skating skills.

Bethany said: “I’m so excited, I didn’t expect to win, I was really nervous but I think my mum was more nervous than me. She said she will buy me a new dress for the big day. I can’t wait.”

Pam, of Priors Hill, said: “This is better than all my six numbers coming up on the lottery.

“I am absolutely speechless, I can’t believe she has done it. I don’t like the competitive side of things but she is so determined and now she has done it.

“My husband’s family are Wroughton through and through and we always go to the carnival so it will be brilliant.

“She is always singing, I don’t know where she gets it from, but sometimes I have to tell her to shut up when she is in the shower. She just never stops.”

Wroughton Carnival takes place on July 2. For more information visit www.wroughtoncarnival.co.uk.