Bicester's carnival queen in 2002 may be a little older than in previous competitions -- by about 50 years.

Despite an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging young women in their late teens or early 20s to become the carnival queen, no-one has come forward.

Now the organisers are turning to the more mature ladies of the town.

Town mayoress Rose Stratford, 63, who suggested the idea, said there used to be a Queen of the Elderly contest when she lived in London.

The average age of the contestants was about 70.

Mrs Stratford said: "Younger girls don't think it's good for their street credibility, but the older generation love things like that. It used to go down really well.

"When I suggested it, everybody asked if I would judge it and I jokingly said 'no, I'm taking part'."

She said the Queen of the Elderly contest would tie in with the carnival's theme of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Dee Robinson, manager of the town's Help the Aged shop, in Deans Court, said: "I think it's a good idea. The older generation would really go for it. I will definitely promote it."

The carnival working party also wants to contact former carnival queens to take part in July's event.

Mandy Grater, 40, of Green Lane, Arncott, near Bicester, who was the queen in 1979, said: "I had a lovely time. It was a wonderful year. It's a shame young girls are no longer interested in it. I loved doing it and I would definitely do it again if I was 17."

Ex-carnival queens should call Anne Wilson, the town clerk, on 01869 252915.