THE new rose queen blossomed at Winwick Carnival as hundreds descended on the annual festival.

Isabella Smithson was joined by Millie Anslow and Keira Smithson at the carnival which was held for the 18th year.

A number of stalls and carnival favourites set up shop on the playing field at Winwick Leisure Centre, off Myddleton Lane, on Saturday.

This included members of the Save Winwick's Christmas Tree campaign, who have been fundraising for the past seven months.

The group raised more than £600 by selling cream tea and prosecco to visitors.

The money will help to fund a reusable, environmentally-friendly Christmas tree for the village.

Crowds also flocked to watch the annual sheep race, which has been a tradition at the festival for a number of years.

The Mayor of Warrington Cllr Les Morgan was also in attendance. 

This was the first year Cllr Cathy Mitchell (Burtonwood and Winwick - LAB) has been in charge of the festival after the previous committee stepped down last year.

She said: "It started off slowly but it really picked up as the day went on.

"It was a great day.

"We will be holding a meeting soon to discuss this year's carnival and anyone who wants to help with next year's Winwick Carnival is welcome to come along."

The date of the next meeting will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

For more information visit winwickcarnival.co.uk.