NEARLY 50 years ago a 21-year-old local woman was crowned Queen during the Coronation year.

The sun was beating down and thousands of people attended the ceremony way back in 1953 in what was one of the proudest moments of her life.

But while Queen Elizabeth II was being crowned ruler at Westminster Abbey, Alice Thomason had her special day when she was crowned Culcheth Carnival Queen -- and featured in the Journal.

Alice, of Kaye Avenue in Culcheth, said: "I was so chuffed to become Carnival Queen, especially during the Queen's Coronation year. It was a big honour and my mother was over the moon, because I was the youngest child. I hoped to be Carnival Queen the previous year but missed out, but I'm glad that I did now!

"It was such a hot day and the whole village turned out for the Carnival at Culcheth High School. Everything about that day was perfect and I felt really happy to see my picture in the Journal."

And the 71-year-old Great Grandmother, who was a weaver at Daisy Bank Mill, is a fan of the monarchy and especially of Her Royal Highness. She said: "I think there is still a place for the monarchy today. Last year during the Golden Jubilee I had my hanging baskets decked out in red, white and blue flowers!"

Thousands of people from across the borough braved the torrential rain to celebrate the Queen's Coronation in 1953 -- with street parties, carnivals and firework displays during a week of festivities.