Gift Is Crowning Moment

And thanks to the generosity of Ockenden's, Littlehampton Carnival was able to do just that.

Carnival president Freda Hughes said: "We are really pleased with the new crown and new tiaras for the princesses, we just want to say a big thank you to Ockenden's for their very kind donation."

This year's Littlehampton Carnival Queen Carley Johnson is the first to be crowned with the Ockenden's Bicentennial Coronet an exact copy of the George IV Coronet.

She was crowned by Jillian Gibb, a director of Ockenden's and a member of the Ockenden family.

John Stevens, from Ockenden's, said: "The crown really does look magnificent. It is quite appropriate timing as Ockenden's celebrates its 200th anniversary this year."

The crown cost 350 and was beautifully hand-crafted by Juliet Designs of London.

It is set with pearls, crystal and amethysts and, although she admitted it was very heavy, Carley said wearing it felt very special.

"It is really lovely, and so nice that Ockenden's paid for it. It shows that the community is still committed to backing the carnival."

Littlehampton Carnival programmes are now on sale, priced 20p, in many outlets in town, including the Littlehampton Gazette office in Beach Road.

And you will be able to see stunning Carley showing off the new crown at the Littlehampton Carnival on July 13.