SUN cream and water were essential at Saturday's Knutsford Royal May Day Festival.

But the soaring temperatures were too much for one brave little soldier.

"One of the guards didn't quite last the pace," said organiser Ken Gresty.

"He wasn't with us the whole way round. It was too hot for him."

Thousands of spectators crowded on to pavements, balconies and shop fronts on Saturday to celebrate the 140-year-old tradition.

Then later that afternoon Jourdan Smallwood, 13, was crowned May Queen to cheers from the crowds who had gathered on the Heath.

"It was really nice weather, which was good because I'd been worried about that," said Jourdan.

"I wasn't expecting so many people to be out there, so it was really exciting."

But all did not go smoothly for organisers after the crowds descended on the Heath.

The town crier's bell, which was used more than 60 years ago by air raid wardens during the Second World War, was stolen.

Anthony MacDonald Smith put it down while he helped children to find their parents.

Onlookers

When the town crier returned the relic, which had been part of the procession for 60 years, was gone.

On Monday May Day committee chairman Mr Gresty asked whoever had the bell to return it.

"There are some not very nice people about who obviously don't realise the significance of it," he said.

Earlier that afternoon temperatures in town rose above 20C as the procession left Marshall's Yard.

Sgt Kevin Fryer, who helped to manage the crowds, said the heat was even getting to him.

"It's going really well," he said. "And I'd be okay if I didn't have to wear this jacket."

Television producer Simon Phillips, who joined news teams in Iraq last year, was in charge of a different type of circus for the day.

He kept an eye on the clowns, lions and their tamer as the procession of about 640 children made its way through the streets.

The warm weather brought the best out of the onlookers as they threw coins for the youngsters.

One wounded soldier was so intent on counting his money he even took his arm out of his sling to add it up.

But a fisherman in the Grace Darling boat was oblivious to the money because he had brought along his Game Boy for the ride.

The miners and racing marshals, who were added this year after more boys wanted to take part, proved popular with the crowds.

And Knutsford dentist Roger Turner and a group of friends were applauded as they rode penny farthings along the narrow streets.

But special cheers were reserved for Jourdan as she waved to the crowds.

"My dress had lots of layers underneath so it was quite hot," she said.

"But all my friends had come out and my family was there so it was great."

The crowds eventually moved to the Heath to watch dancers brave the sweltering conditions in full traditional uniform.

Then a perfect day for Jourdan was rounded off when she was crowned by Edward Livesley.

Mr Gresty said it was the most successful celebration for years.

"I think there were more this year and they stayed for much longer," he said.