Harriet Burdett is Carnival Queen 2008

WATCH THE VIDEO (1 available - click to expand)

Video 1

The news that Harriet Burdett has been crowned the Maidenhead Carnival Queen 2008 brought a tear to the eye of her beloved Grandad who was her inspiration to enter the contest.

The bubbly 16-year-old entered the competition hoping to win the £200 for her chosen charity People to Places. Her 81-year-old Grandad Leslie Hallworth suffers from Parkinsons Disease and uses the transport service to get him out and about.

The selfless youngster said: "I am over the moon to be the Queen. I was really pleased for myself but I am also glad for People to Places."

Harriet's starring role in this year's carnival will make it a special day for her family who live in Mallow Park and are big fans of the event.

Her younger brother Andrew, 12, belongs to the Furze Platt Scout group which has won a float prize several years running and Harriet was due to play with the Zephyr wind band at the carnival. Older brother Matthew, 19, is expected home from university to share in his sister's special moment.

Nearly 800 people voted for the Sir William Borlase's pupil to be Queen and she was thrilled with the support.
She said: "The amount of support that came through was unbelievable.
"I have always been a bit of a tomboy but this is a good opportunity to show everyone I can be a girly girl as well!"

Proud mum Ann, a maths teacher at Claires Court School, The College, said: "I am really proud of her, but really delighted that it will make so many people happy, and her Grandad of course.
"It is so lovely that so many people supported her."

Watch our video interview with Harriet here.