THE golden anniversary of the rose queen tradition in a village was celebrated at the weekend.

The rain held of for as long as possible as more than 100 people marched through Langho for the crowning of the village’s 50th queen, Charley Farmer.

Charley, 10, from St Leonard’s CE Primary School, marched with pride from Rogersfield to St Leonard’s Church accompanied by more than 20 former queens and the Balderstone Brass Band.

Reverend Tracy Swindells, who officiated the event, said rose queens are chosen by other members of the church and are assessed on their contributions to events and their attendance to church.

Charley said she was really happy to be chosen.

She said: “I was really excited and nervous at the same time to be picked.

“I hope I have a really good year and do lots of exciting things.”

The crowning was followed by a family fun day which included a barbecue and summer fair games.

Rev Swindells said: “It was a fantastic turnout and there was lots of people there.

“I’m glad we got to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the rose queen, as it is not celebrated all over the country.

“Charley will go on to attend many village events as the queen and will continue to do her good work at the children’s corner, our Sunday school.

“Charley is very popular at the church and was chosen to be the rose queen by other children.”

Enid Pearson was 12-years-old when she became the first rose queen in Langho in 1955, eight years before the official regular queens were crowned.

Mrs Pearson said: “I’m so pleased the tradition is still going strong.

“Last year’s queen and this years look absolutely lovely all dressed up.

“I was queen in 1955, technically I was the first before they started the official run from 1968.

“It was a lovely day and nice to see everyone turn out.”