Young ambassadors are finally set to lead the procession at Swanage Carnival – two years after first being chosen.

Millie and Lavinia-Dior were selected as the faces of the annual extravaganza in 2020 when they were just 11 and eight years old.

But due to Covid the carnival – one of the largest on the south coast – was cancelled in 2020 and then again in 2021.

Now, after two long years of waiting, Millie and Lavinia-Dior – now aged 13 and 10 – are set to take centre stage in this year’s eight-day event in July and August.

The duo joined carnival president Maria Foot, carnival secretary Kevin Langdon and Chris Pemberton from ambassadors’ sponsor Ellis Jones Solicitors to start the countdown to this year’s carnival.

Kevin said: “It’s been a long two years for everyone involved in Swanage Carnival but especially for Millie and Lavinia-Dior.

“They have been incredibly patient but, like the rest of us, are hugely excited that the carnival is going ahead this year.

“It promises to be one of the biggest and best yet and we can’t wait to get going.”

The carnival is being held on July 30 to August 6. It attracts more than a quarter of a million people and raises about £30,000 for good causes.

Swanage School pupil Millie and Swanage Primary School pupil Lavinia-Dior will be some of the most important people at the carnival – judging competitions, opening events, joining in activities and leading the grand procession.

Ellis Jones Solicitors – with offices in Swanage’s High Street – is a long-running sponsor of the carnival.

Chris Pemberton, a partner based in the Swanage office, said: “It is great to see the carnival back.

“It’s a superb event for the community and visitors, and as a local firm we are proud to play our part in its success.”

Ellis Jones has more than 170 staff including 21 partners in five offices across the South as well as London.

Visit https://swanagecarnival.com/ and www.ellisjones.co.uk for more details.

PICTURE: SMILES: Swanage Carnival ambassadors Millie (front left) and Lavinia-Dior (front right). Behind them are, from left, partner Chris Pemberton from Ellis Jones Solicitors, which is sponsoring the ambassadors, carnival president Maria Foot and carnival secretary Kevin Langdon.