VISITORS dodged the rain showers for the annual crowning of the Newchurch Parish Church rose queen in Culcheth on Sunday.

Amy Kadodwala, aged 11, was crowned queen in the tradition which dates back to 1904.

Amy, a pupil at Bolton Girls’ School, was crowned by Alan Thomason who has been an active member of the church for many years and tends to the church gardens.

She enjoys music, plays the flute and is a member of Culcheth 3rd Guides.

She was supported by her attendants Charlotte Morris, aged 10, Courtney Williamson, aged 10, and sisters Emily Hoggarth, aged eight and Molly, aged five. Crown bearer was Matthew Beaudin, aged 10.

After the crowning, the rose queen and her retinue walked through the village in procession with the Golborne Band and congregation, stopping to sing hymns en route.