Entries have started coming in for the prestigious title of Rose Queen for the historic Rose Fair parade in Wisbech.

The competition has officially opened and anybody over the age of 14 who lives in Wisbech can enter.

To be in with a chance of taking pride of place at the head of the kaleidoscope of colour in the carnival parade then all you need to do is send a picture of yourself and a description about why you think you deserve to be Rose Queen, along with your address and contact details.

The search for this year’s Rose Queen contest is being run by the Wisbech Standard along with the Wisbech Round Table, which organises the parade.

Entry will close at 5pm on Thursday, June 11. All entries should be e-mailed to thomas.jackson@­archant.co.uk

The lucky winner will be contacted and the grand announcement made in the Standard on June 19.

The Rose Queen will be taken for a dress fitting, have her hair styled, nails painted and enjoy a photography session. They will also win a cash prize. In keeping with tradition there will be two Rose Fair parades on Saturday, July 4 – one at 11am and one 2pm – which bring a carnival atmosphere to the town and attracts visitors from across the region to enjoy the spectacle.

The Rose Fair, now into its 52nd year, is regarded as one of the region’s finest flower festivals.

This year’s festival runs from July 1-5 and centres around St Peter & St Paul’s Church, where displays will have the theme ‘Our Classical Heritage’.

Three other town centre churches will also hold festival, each carrying their own theme.