Catherine will be queen for the day

Fleetwood Carnival Queen Elect Catherine Hover (centre) with (from left): Joseph Hover, Ellie Robinson , Lauren Orchiston and Millie Bailey.

The 13 year old, who attends Cardinal Allen RC Primary School, has been chosen as the Fleetwood Carnival Queen of 2017.

When Carnival Day arrives on Saturday June 17 Catherine, of Seabank Road, will be crowned queen and proudly take her place in the annual parade.

But for Catherine, who was chosen during a special choosing event at Fleetwood Bowling Club, it will not be the first time she has played a leading role in the parade.

Two years ago she was selected to be Prince Charming.

In fact, many members of her family have a connection with the carnival.

Mum Louise, 48, was part of the retinue way back in the early 1980s, along with her sister Lesley.

Three years ago, Catherine’s older sister Jessica was also crowned queen,

And this year her younger brother, Joseph, aged 10 and a pupil at St Mary’s RC School on London Street, is also in the retinue.

Proud mum Louise said: “It’s become a kind of family tradition and something we have always loved doing.

“We always look forward to Carnival Day and we also enjoy visiting the other big gala days in the area.

“This year it will be extra special for us all.”

The full retinue team for this summer is now in place.

Also selected to be the queen’s retinue were Ellie Robinson, aged 12, from Fleetwood High School; Lauren Orchiston aged 13, also from Fleetwood High School and Millie Bailey aged nine, from St Wulstan’s RC Primary School.

Fleetwood Carnival Committee is always looking for new members to help organise the event and also marshalls on carnival day itself.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact chairman Ann Hanvey by email at [email protected] or or Vicci Robinson at [email protected]