Hazel is Miss Chard 2010! (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Hazel is Miss Chard 2010!

9:02am Friday 27th August 2010 in News

BUBBLY Hazel Mahoney has been named as Miss Chard 2010 and will lead the town’s Carnival on October 9.

Former Holyrood School student Hazel, 19, who works as a waitress in Taunton, was given the accolade after a two-way battle with 15-year-old Axe Valley pupil Amy Down, of Forton, which left judges with a tough decision.

The judges – News chief reporter Steve Sowden, Ilminster Carnival Committee chairman Kym Toms and businesswoman Nanette Wale – took their time on their deliberations before making the announcement.

And a delighted Hazel said: “I’m so pleased - I hope to make Chard feel very proud of me.”

But Amy will also have her moment in the spotlight as she will act as Hazel’s attendant on the big night of Chard Carnival.

Amy, who is a voluntary helper with the Riding for Disabled Assocation and also supports the Children’s Hospice South West, raised a whopping £350 for the Carnival as part of her entry.

Both Hazel and Amy are now looking forward to Chard Carnival and wearing the glitzy dresses.

Hazel said: “I’m really ‘girlie, girlie’ – so this will be fantastic!”

Amy added: “Dressing up as a princess is something you always want to do as a child.”

They will also be joined in the procession by ten-year-old Jessica Lacey, a pupil of Manor Court Primary School, as Carnival Princess.

“I’m really looking forward to it – I like dressing up,” she said.

Carnival committee chairman Helena Stone thanked all the girls for taking part and said she hoped they would have a great time.