ANXIETY was high on Saturday for 18 finalists who were battling it out to be chosen as this year's Carnival Prince and Princess.

The Danebury was packed with doting parents and supportive friends as the finalists did their utmost to persuade judges that they would be the best in the role as Carnival Prince and Princess.

Andover Advertiser editor Joe Scicluna, his wife Margaret and president of Andover Lions Club, Rod Woodland and his wife Pat, judged the competition.

Each contestant was put under the spotlight on the dance floor and judged on their personality and appearance. Away from the spotlight the contestants met the judges on a one-to-one basis when they were questioned on hobbies, pets and favourite foods.

After a tense wait judges announced that Charlie-Jade Smith, aged 12, from Vigo Road, Andover and Aidan Bainbridge, aged 10, from Florence Court, Andover were Carnival Prince and Princess for 2004.

Eleanor Coles, aged nine, from Ludgershall and Grace Upton, aged 11, from St Mary Bourne were picked as the prince and princess' attendants and presented with £25 cheques.

Carnival princess Charlie-Jade was presented with a tiara, a sash, a bouquet of flowers and a £50 cheque. She said: "I was really nervous and shocked when I heard my name. I didn't think I would win it."

Carnival prince Aidan was presented with a sash and a cheque for £50. He said: "I have never done anything like this before and I was really nervous about the competition."

After the crowning and presentation a junior disco got under way. Hayley Jack, aged nine, and Har-vey James Bainbridge, aged six, were voted disco king and queen.