WHITLEY village has crowned its latest Rose Queen as it carries on a 70-year-old tradition.

Laura Buckley was crowned the 2019 Rose Queen during a village fete that bought the community together despite the weather.

A large crowd turned out to see the 2018 retiring retinue lead by Kristie Underdown and witnessed the crowning of the new 2019 Rose Queen with her new retinue of six Whitley boys and girls.

The audience also enjoyed performances by Whitley Village School and the Whitley Village Pre-School fancy dress parade.

Music was provide by the Frodsham Silver Band and was followed by the Great Whitley Pig Race and the Whitley Tug of War challenge.

Heather Moore, on behalf of the Whitley Village Rose Queen Committee, said: "The dedicated Rose Queen Committee and many volunteers worked hard to make sure that everyone experienced their favourite stalls, raffle, barbecue, ice-cream and delicious cream teas, despite the weather.

"Community spirit lives and the fete, now in its 72nd year, was as successful and as much fun as ever.

"Good luck to Rose Queen Laura and her retinue for the forthcoming year."

The Rose Queen Fete first took place in June 1947 when Joan Hesp was crowned the first ever Whitley Rose Queen.

It has continued almost every year and the committee strives to retain the traditional feel of a village fete.