The coronation was over, the sash was in place and like many before her the new queen stepped up to take her place in history.

Looking regal already, Queen Kate and her two princesses, Leora and Kirsty, became the 1999 Pentland Finchley Carnival royals, chosen to lead the last procession of the Millennium through town.

Kate, 22, an economics student from East Finchley, was crowned, at McDonald's headquarters in East Finchley on Saturday, by outgoing queen Meena, who said she had had a brilliant year.

"I would do it all over again if I could. I learnt a lot and got to meet loads of different people."

Meena said one of the highlights of her year had been helping out on senior citizens day at the carnival, talking to the pensioners.

"They thought I was really somebody but to me I was nobody. I am a star in Finchley now."

The two new princesses, Leora, 12, from Finchley and Kirsty, ten, from Edgware, were also given a few words of advice from last year's princesses Helga and Jessica: "Just enjoy yourself!"

The Queen received a £100 cheque from the Times Group and the princesses, £50 each, as well as prizes from McDonald's, Sunshack, Warner cinemas and the carnival committee.

There were more prizes being handed out on Monday evening, this time for the winner of the competition to design the Finchley Carnival programme cover, sponsored by Hollywood Bowl.

Catherine Doherty, aged ten, from St Mary's School in Dollis Park, Finchley, drew the winning entry, with second prize going to Semra Novobroliya, ten, from Tudor School in Queens Road, Finchley, and third to Rosalee Todd, 11, from St Theresa's RC School in East End Road, Finchley.

Headteachers, parents and children from the winning and commended schools went along to the prize giving at Hollywood Bowl in Leisure Way, Finchley.

If you would like to put a float in the carnival procession on Saturday July 17 or if you are a former queen or princesses and you would like to join the parade call Sue Thurlow on 01707 662588.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.