Eight-year-old girl delighted to take head princess role at this weekend's Sudbury Carnival

An eight-year-old girl is delighted to be taking an active role in this year’s Sudbury Carnival, after being chosen as the head princess.

Hebe Thornton, who was last year’s princess, is looking forward to joining in the spectacle when it returns once again to the town on Sunday.

“I enjoy meeting new people and seeing the smiling faces in the crowd,” she said.

Hebe’s mother, Carly, highlighted the social benefits of taking part in the annual tradition.

“I’m so proud, Hebe’s really coming along with her confidence,” she said, adding that the role of a princess was a novelty for her daughter, who is a pupil at Great Waldingfield Primary School.

Setting off from the Delphi Centre car park at noon, a colourful procession will make its way through the town, with the fun then moving to Belle Vue Park for the afternoon.

Sudbury town clerk, Jacqueline Howells said: “It is a very popular event that is organised by a dedicated group of volunteers who have resurrected this traditional family fun day.”