Search begins for Rose Queen royalty

Queen for the last two years, Annabel Wilde, 14, is stepping down from the role, along with most of her retinue.

Whaley Bridge Rose Queen Festival Committee is looking to appoint a new rose queen (age 12-plus), a junior queen (age ten-plus), a princess (age eight or nine) and a rosebud/petal (age three-plus). Parents can also enter their child as an attendant or pageboy.

Chairman Tim Mourne said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a fun and rewarding year of local events, and to make new friends along the way.”

A selection meeting will be held on Sunday March 9 at Whaley Bridge Bowling Club from 11am.

Diane Wilde (pictured), mum of current rose queen Annabel, said: “It’s a marvellous thing to do for your village.”