SPRINGTIME in Germany was enjoyed by Kidderminster Carnival Queen Charlotte Berring-ton who was guest of honour at Husum's annual Crocus Festival.

The 17-year-old led a six-strong group to Kidderminster's twin town, where the highlight of the five-day trip was the traditional festival organised by the business and retail community.

Charlotte, who was escorted by her father Dave, teamed up with the German town's Crocus Queen and toured the centre of Husum with baskets of colourful crocuses, which are grown in abundance in the area.

The carnival group, which included chairman Colin Hill, also visited an art museum, a brewery, an alternative energy exhibition, attended a concert and church service in Husum and toured Hamburg.

Mr Hill said: "The trip was very good and our German hosts showed their usual hospitality. The weather was fine, the sun shone, and the crocuses were beautiful."

Charlotte will hand over her crown at the 2008 carnival queen competition on Sunday, April 13 and it is expected that her successor will be able to visit the Crocus Festival next year.

The lucky winner will also receive a £75 cash prize and a dress for the carnival on Saturday, June 21.

The competition, at Kidderminster Town Hall, will follow contests for the princess and two rosebuds earlier in the day.

A panel of judges will choose two rosebuds, aged six to nine, who will be awarded £10 each and a princess, aged 10-13, who will be presented with £30. All the winners will receive dresses of their choice for the carnival.

The doors open at 10am, with the rosebud competition starting off the day at 10.30am, followed by the princess contest at 12.30pm and the search for the queen will get under way at 1.30pm.