SOUTHEND’s carnival organisers have decided to ditch their queen and her court saying the nearly 100-year-old tradition is too "old-fashioned."

The Southend carnival court has been the centre of much-loved summer event since the 1920s but it will no longer lead the annual procession.

Organisers Southend SummerCare say they made the decision after looking at online polls, questionnaires, independent workshops and asking young people for their thoughts.

Gemma Cartwright, carnival vice chairman, said: "It was not a decision we took lightly and was the conclusion of the trustees after extensive discussion.

"The royal court is old fashioned and too traditional, we are working hard to modernise it."

Now the carnival team is discussing whether to have a carnival "ambassador" who would replace the court.

The last reigning queen Chloe Davey, 16, and her princesses Madison Ball and Carla Davey, both aged 13 will keep their positions until this year’s carnival.

Ms Cartwright added the decision would be reconsidered if there was a public campaign for it.

The number of people applying to be a part of the royal court has declined over the years.

After suggestions on social media, the carnival organisers have also decided to move the procession to an hour earlier.

Not everyone is happy with the decision.

Historian Arthur Woodward whose wife was in the procession in the 1960s said it was "the end of an era".

He added: "It is a mistake to do away with it.

"They try to modernise it and ruin it. It is entertainment for the people, not for the few who can make money from it."

Last year the carnival raised £20,000, which was more than three times the average amount collected in the last four or five years.

Ron Woodley, Independent councillor for Thorpe, said: “It’s always sad to see a tradition dropped but I’m sure the organisers have a good reason for it.”

Talking about the possibility of an ambassador, something the carnival organisers are considering instead of the royal court, Cllr Woodley added: “It would be nice to have an ambassador for the town.”

The carnival, which is held annually in August and is one of the largest community events in South East Essex includes a children's fancy dress competition, a beer festival, a children's teddy bear's picnic.