THIS year's Redbridge carnival queen and princesses have been chosen.

Four lucky entrants were selected to become the borough's unofficial 'Royal family' during a dazzling contest at Redbridge College.

After a tense debate between a judging panel including Redbridge Mayor Cllr Thomas Chan and his wife - 20-year-old Ilford model Kaijal Pahl was finally declared this year's queen.

Runner-up was 24-year-old Rachel Daniel from Wanstead, who will stand in as Ms Pahl's 'deputy' at a range of civic events over the next 12 months.

Two teenagers from Woodford Green were also among the winners.

Duo Katie Woolnoth and Jessica Baker, both aged 16, were chosen as the carnival's princesses.

All the winners will take part in the carnival's parade this September in Ilford.

Organiser Wilson Chowdhry said: "It was an excellent night, we sold all the tickets and the crowd loved it.

"All the girls involved has a real interest and involvement in their local community which was very important."