TWO best friends from Newton Poppleford have this year both been crowned carnival royalty-in a village first. Sidmouth College students Tiffany Clay and Becca Cardwell, who have been friends since they were three, both wanted to be this year s village ca

TWO best friends from Newton Poppleford have this year both been crowned carnival royalty-in a village first.

Sidmouth College students Tiffany Clay and Becca Cardwell, who have been friends since they were three, both wanted to be this year's village carnival queen but didn't want to compete against each other for the title.

Members of Newton Poppleford Carnival Committee therefore decided that the twelve-year-olds should both be queens, making carnival history, and the pair have been named as 'Carnival Royalty'.

Tiffany, of Badgers Close, said: "I personally think it will be more exciting as I'm going to share a great experience with a good friend."

Becca, of King Alfred Way, said: "I have always wanted to be a queen since I was little and I watched the queen on the float but I was too young. I'm really happy to be queen this year with Tiffany."

The pair are following in their father's footsteps as both Tiffany and Becca's dads, who are members of the village cricket club, stepped in as an attendant and queen two years ago when no girls came forward.

Becca's mum, Caz, 39, who is a carnival committee member, said: "Hopefully she will be a lot more beautiful than her dad!"

Tiffany will be the latest in a long list of family members who have taken up the Newton Poppleford carnival title.

Her mum, Mel, also a carnival committee member, said: "It is really nice she is carrying on the family tradition as my cousin, her daughter and sister-in-law have all been queen."

Now the excited youngsters, who are both members of Carizma Majorettes based in Axminster, are holding a car boot sale to raise money for one of the carnival dresses and accessories.

The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, September 5 on Newton Poppleford Playing Field from 9am-12noon.

Tiffany and Becca will have their own stall and are hoping for a lot of support from people on the day.

Anybody who would like to help out or has items to donate can ring Mel on (01395) 567537 or Caz on (01395) 567923.