The new Deal Regatta Queen is the first girl in more than 20 years to be given the crown without fulfilling the role of a princess before.

Goodwin Academy pupil Kelsi Endean, 14, was chosen from 10 entrants during a selections event at the Ocean Rooms nightclub in Deal on Saturday.

Despite a lack of experience she received full marks from each of the five judges.

John Trickey, chairman of Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival and Regatta Association, said: “She is the first girl in the 21 years that Rosie and I have been doing this that has come straight in as a senior queen. Usually the queen has served as a princess before.

“She was up against four or five outgoing princesses.

“She’s a beautiful girl.”

Kelsi, who listed horse riding as her hobby, had applied for the role last year without success. She told the judges how she had gone away and received some coaching which had taught her how to walk and present herself.

Joining her on the court is senior princesses Amelia Lawson, 14, and Hannah Brice, 16.

Mr Trickey said: “This was the ninth year that Hannah had applied. She’s applied year after year and she’s finally been successful. We’re so thrilled for her.”

The new junior queen is 10-year-old Charlie Cousin, who goes to Deal Parochial School. This will be the former junior princess’s second consecutive year as part of the court.

The junior princesses are Aimee McGarrigle, 10, from Sandown Primary and Adelle Sharp, eight, from the Downs Primary School.

Completing the court is six-year-old rosebud Daisy Gillespie. Her mum Amanda Gillespie was Deal Regatta Queen in 2004.

The successful seven replace Claudia Cousin, Amy Herring, Annelise Cole, Mia Whiting, Charlie Cousin, Macie Minall and Elouise West.

The new court were expected to sign their contracts for the coming year at Betteshanger Sports and Social Club on Wednesday.

Mr Trickey thanked the Ocean Rooms for providing the venue and sponsors including the Blue Pigeons and A Simmonds who donated prizes.

A DVD of the day, made by SES Video Productions, will be available to buy for £15 from dealcarnival.moonfruit.com soon.

For more pictures, pick up this week's East Kent Mercury - out now.