A cheer went up as the royal trio for this year's Hanwell Carnival were chosen on Saturday.

The Queen, princess and prince, who will be crowned at the carnival in Elthorne Park in June, were chosen from a group of eager youngsters who showed off their personal qualities at the Emporium, Hanwell.

I was asked to join Ealing Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Kamaljit and Mrs Amarjit Dhindsa to judge the ten young people who wanted to take a leading role in the carnival, which has been running for over 60 years and attracts over 20,000 people each year.

We asked them a few questions about themselves and their reasons for being part of such a prestigious event. It was personality that won out in the end.

Hanwell Carnival vice chairwoman Julie O'Donnell said: "We were looking for children who are community champions, interested in the Hanwell community and proud of being part of the Hanwell carnival and comfortable heading up the procession. We want them to feel comfortable and confident talking to people."

Making the final announcement, the Mayor said: "I want to thank everyone for coming today. This was a very difficult decision for all of us. We had to agonise over our choice."

The queen is Helen Schilli-Somjen, 21, who is studying English literature at Greenwich university, the princess is Lucy Bridges, 11, and prince Sukaran Vaid, eight.

Helen, whose two sisters have been queen and princess in the past, said: "I am really pleased to be queen because it has become a family tradition. I have grown up with the carnival. I go every year. Hanwell is the place to raise children; it has such a community feel. It's just like a village because everyone knows each other."

Lucy, who goes to Brentside school and wants to be a make-up artist when she is older, said: "I wanted to do this because I thought it would be fun. I thought I would be good at it because I am bubbly and sensible. I didn't think I would win. I am very pleased and proud."

Sukaran, who goes to Stanhope School, said: "My mum was queen last year and she said how much she enjoyed it. I like the atmosphere at the carnival. I am very happy I have won it but said that Tyler didn't get it."

His mum, Lovely  Vaid said: "Being queen was one of the best days of my life."

During the carnival the children will lead the procession and then meet the many stall holders in the park as well as the residents of nearby Hanwell House.