BETHANY Underdown enjoyed her crowning moment when she became the Whitley Village Rose Queen.

Bethany was crowned by the recently-retired head teacher of Whitley village school, Amanda Powell, who returned to perform the ceremony.

“The rose queen fete is a traditional and long-standing village fete and a family fun day out, and a great time was had by all,” said Heather Moore on behalf of the Rose Queen committee.

The celebrations began with a procession around the village and by the duck pond, led by Eve Pennington and the Frodsham Silver Band.

They were followed by the current and retiring Rose Queen Amelia Thompson and her retinue, for the last time, having attended many events over the year.

All the children from Whitley Village School followed closely behind in fancy dress.

The New Rose Queen elect, Bethany Underdown, followed behind, resplendent with her red roses headdress before the crowning, and her attendants had red accessories.

The smaller children of Whitley Community Pre-school followed closely behind, on a float pulled by a tractor, and the children were also in fancy dress.

After entering the village hall field all the children approached the ring or stage and were seated before the crowd ready for Bethany’s crowning and other speeches.

“The entertainment continued throughout the afternoon with the judging of the pre-school fancy dress competition, followed by a fantastic performance from the school as a tribute to The Queen’s 90th birthday,” said Heather.

“The children were in groups, dressed to reflect each decade of her life, and all sang songs and did dances to represent each decade from the 1920s onwards.

“The afternoon continued with a variety of good, old-fashioned activities, stalls and games, a display from the Cheshire gymnastics team, tug of war and the great Whitley Pig race.

“The weather held up well for all for the majority of the afternoon, with a downpour towards the end, but the spirit of the community very much held up, and a fun time was had by all.”