AFTER a break of 20 years, Budleigh Salterton s royal family is giving its East Devon rivals a run for their money in the local carnivals.

AFTER a break of 20 years, Budleigh Salterton's royal family is giving its East Devon rivals a run for their money in the local carnivals.

For the last two decades, Budleigh Salterton's royalty has stayed away from the carnival circuit, but this year the town's carnival club entered the Gala Week king, queen, prince and princess into the local processions and it has proved a popular move, because the float has already scooped a raft of prizes.

At Topsham carnival, the float was awarded second prize, third place at Sidmouth and last weekend won second prize at Newton Poppleford.

Budleigh Carnival Club spokesman Julie Meredith said: "We hope that entering them into the carnival might be an incentive for more children to compete in the 2010 Gala Week competition."

And Budleigh is holding its own with its other entry, Rock Around the Clock.

So far the float has been awarded three first places and three second prizes.

The club is now setting its sights on the East Devon trophy competition.

It will be keeping its fingers crossed during Saturday's judging at Exmouth Carnival.

The club is always keen to hear from new members, interested in helping out.

For more information call (01395) 443866 or (01395)