WITH a graceful demeanour and a winning smile, Lowestoft Carnival Queen's have been the belle of the ball for many years.Each year a queen is crowned to lead the carnival procession through the town's streets and every time the competition has captured the imagination, as Lowestoft's finest young women go head-to-head for the sparkling crown.

WITH a graceful demeanour and a winning smile, Lowestoft Carnival Queen's have been the belle of the ball for many years.

Each year a queen is crowned to lead the carnival procession through the town's streets and every time the competition has captured the imagination, as Lowestoft's finest young women go head-to-head for the sparkling crown.

The contest has gone on for decades, but in Turning Back The Clock this week we focus on the girl's that stole the judges' hearts during the 1990s.

Magdalena Bestard, of Oulton Broad, was crowned Miss Lowestoft in July 1992. Around 500 people were drawn to the Marina Theatre to see the ceremony, including 13 former winners dating back to 1947.

Magdalena, 22, beat 23 glamorous fellow contestants to be crowned Miss Lowestoft by singing star Vince Hall.

In 1993 the honour was taken by 18 year old barmaid and waitress Rebecca Shepherd from Oulton Broad.

Rebecca was a last-minute entrant to the competition, but managed to beat 14 other candidates to the crown. She was �250, a champagne dinner for two and overnight accommodation at a hotel in the Elizabeth Hotels Group and a free double ticket to Pleasurewood Hills.

At the ceremony, which was held at the Marina Theatre, the Broadlands Hotel worker revealed that she had a hatred for bare feet.

The winner in 1994 was Cheryl Woods. The 19 year old self-employed book keeper from Pakefield had failed to win in 1993, but in 1994 managed to defeat 15 other young women at the Hotel Hatfield.

Oulton Broad piano teacher Georgia Butler triumphed in the 1995 competition. The Tottenham supporting beauty queen was left totally speechless as she edged Tesco stock controller Verity Franklin into second place.

Georgia was crowned by Hotel Hatfield general manager Ibrahim Mohammed, at the Marina Theatre.

The following year Jacqueline Barber was crowned Miss Lowestoft 1996, after being picked out by judges from the Lowestoft Journal, Hotel Hatfield, Ryan Elizabeth Holdings, the Chamber of Commerce and Waveney District Council.

The line-up for 1997 saw 18 finalists go head-to-head at the Hotel Hatfield, with Ellie Rushmere winning the competition, which was held to raise funds for Lowestoft Hospital.

If you know what any of these former winners are doing now, or have photos from other past competitions, please bring them into our offices in London Road North, Lowestoft or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk