EXCITED children in their best summer clothes filled the streets of Shipston-on-Stour 50 years ago for the crowning of a new Rose Queen.

After the ceremony, they marched 200 strong to the hostel for tea, the Journal recorded.

"The long history of this local festival makes it an interesting day for children of the town and the neighbouring villages of Tidmington, Burmington and Willington," said the paper.

"Lately the name has been changed and it has come in July instead of May, but it still means the same to the children. Next year, the organisers plan to return to May.

"If there is something incongruous about the idea of May-pole dancing in high summer, there was certainly nothing lacking in the display by children on Saturday - thanks to the guidance of Mr Styler, Mrs Hibberd and Mrs Armsdon. It was, as usual, a delightful part of the programme."

Charming in a gown of white figured satin and carrying red roses, the Queen, Miss Anne Rosebuck, was crowned by Miss E Yarwood, matron of the hospital.

In attendance were Sally Roebuck (the Queen's sister), Sheila Kench, Gillian Smith, Doreen Hince, Jane Hall, Susan Jenkins, Susan Patrick and Kathleen Matthews, wearing dresses of primrose and pink nylon and carrying bunches of roses and sweet peas.

After tea, the children conducted the Queen to Shipston House and the Ellen Badger Hospital, where she visited the wards.

Sports were held on the high school playing field, by permission of the governors and the headmaster Mr J E Wilson, and were arranged by Mr W Berry, Mr O Venables and Mr R Hird.

The town band, which played a prominent part in the festivities, played during the afternoon.

It was announced by the organising secretary Mr R Sandland that a house-to-house collection in aid of the funds realised £31 16s.