A carnival princess's mother has condemned the Worthing water-bombers who rained on her daughter's parade.

While 12-year-old Jessica Hunt waved to crowds along Marine Parade, Worthing, a group of troublemakers armed with water pistols and water bombs were ready to cause havoc at the annual Rotary Carnival.

Without warning, they pelted the luxury open-top Mercedes, ruining her hair and splattering her back with water.

Mother Keely Hunt, from Goring, said the barrage frightened Jessica who dreamt of being the princess for years.

Mrs Hunt said: "She could not believe she had been picked to be princess.

"It was her last chance because she was 12. She had tried twice before.

"Someone picked her up at noon in a Mercedes, she was taken to Marine Crescent and the carnival started off.

"Halfway, some people appeared with water bombs and pistols. They started squirting her and throwing water bombs. She was sprayed on her back."

Mrs Hunt said the troublemakers started squirting floats after the ambush on the princess.

She said: "She was a bit frightened and I had spent hours doing her hair. Luckily the water bombs did not hit her directly, they hit the car and splattered her dress.

"But it ruined the day a little, it was going so well."

Mrs Hunt said the day was such a thrill for Jessica that she tried to take it in her stride and make the most of the event.

Ron Noakes, chairman of the carnival, said: "I think for people to do that sort of thing is totally out of order. It's dangerous and upsetting. The carnival takes a lot of planning, a lot goes into these things.

"The princess is a young girl. It could have ruined her day completely but thankfully it did not. It's a shame these people do it to any floats as those organising them work hard."

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl is recovering after fracturing her elbow during the parade.

The teenager dropped a ring into the road and jumped from her float but when she tried to get back on to the Stray Cats Youth Centre lorry she slipped and injured her arm.

She was treated by first aiders at the scene and taken to Worthing Hospital.

Earlier reports based on information supplied by the carnival organisers suggested the lorry had run over her arm after she fell trying to avoid somebody firing a water pistol.