THE day may have been grey, but no amount of mediocre weather could stop the community of Whitley from coming together to celebrate their Queen, Tilly O’Rourke, and her retinue.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the long-standing tradition, and special events were put on in honour of the milestone, including a parade of previous Whitley Rose Queens dating back to the first year of the fete.

Tilly, 11, even had the honour of being crowned by Shirley Poole, the 1948 Rose Queen.

Other features of the community celebration included a parade around the village of various floats and characters, including retiring Queen Bethany Underdown and her retinue, and a Whitley Village Primary School fancy dress parade.

Pupils from age five to 11 took part in a musical performance of ‘Oliver!’ which was a resounding success. There were also events such as obstacle courses and races, which attracted large numbers of children and families.

Hannah Mansfield, headteacher at Whitley Primary School, said: "It was wonderful to see our pupils coming together to perform for the community at The Rose Queen Fete.

“The staff and pupils have worked so hard to prepare and rehearse for the event and, as always, entered into it with determination and enthusiasm. They sang, danced and performed their hearts out and I was proud of every single one of them."

The event catered for all ages and tastes, with additions such as a procession of vintage cars owned and driven by local residents. Vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages drove through the crowds; from retro VW campervans to vintage tractors.

The best part for organisers, however, seemed to be the amount of community spirit shown. The village turned out in huge numbers to support Tilly and all the children involved in the parade, and to celebrate the 70th birthday of the fete itself.