IT may have coincided with England's World Cup debut but that didn't stop the hundreds of people who flocked to Lymm village centre for the annual May Queen event.

With a slight change of route due to road works on Eagle Brow, the usual floats gathered to prepare for the parade through the village, led by the May Queen, Laura Fitzgibbon.

Football, the World Cup and the flag of St George were particularly popular themes this year, as were recycling and the environment.

But perhaps the most popular accessory for the day wasn't the flag but sunscreen, as temperatures soared on the hottest day of the year

so far as the sun shone.

Town crier Peter Powell battled with the heat dressed in full regalia, while Rose Queen and May Queen attendants attempted to seek shelter from the sunshine.

Despite fears that the event might be dwindling in popularity, there was no evidence of that on the day as villagers gathered at The Cross to cheer the floats.

The event was a real community day thanks to the efforts of organisers, parents, schools, children, participants and those who volunteered their vehicles for the floats.

There was no sign of support for the event wavering as onlookers packed the centre to watch the floats go by before following them on to the field.

sharker@guardiangrp.co.uk