Queen Leah Fletcher with her attendants, Autumn McLoughlin, left, and Kacie Morgan.
Queen Leah Fletcher with her attendants, Autumn McLoughlin, left, and Kacie Morgan.

ONLY moments after being crowned Middleton-in-Teesdale’s carnival queen, Leah Fletcher, was called upon to carry out her first official

duty.

Eleven-year-old Leah was chosen to be this year’s queen prior to a disco organised by the carnival committee at the primary school on Wednesday, April 3.Minutes after announcing her as the new queen, she was called upon to draw the names of her two attendants out of the hat.

Leah will lead the annual village procession on Sunday, August 3, with her attendants, four-year-old Autumn McLoughlin and six-year-old Kacie Morgan.

Chairwoman of the village carnival committee Eileen Dent said: “It was a fantastic night and the turnout was great – it was probably the best we have had and people are really getting into the swing for the day.

“Mind you, the day after the parade last year we were already starting to plan for this year and getting out and talking to people.”

Mrs Dent added there is a lot to look forward to this year, but says things are staying top secret for the moment and she wanted to thank everyone who supported the event. The winner of a raffle for a chocolate hamper, donated by Donna Stevenson, was Connie Manser.