BABY of the Year Coral Mackie had her long awaited big day ruined by the rain.

For 18-month-old Coral, of Belgrave Street, Radcliffe, should have been presented with her trophy at the Court of Queens on Red bank Playing Field on carnival day.

But a downpour of rain meant organisers swapped the venue to the nearby Radcliffe County Junior School at the last minute.

However, proud mum Mrs Angela Mackie didn't know of the switch and waited hours in the pouring rain with Coral for the presentation.

But eventually, she had to give up when what should have been a glittering occasion turned into a real dampener. And the setback was made worse, given that Mrs Mackie and young Coral had been so looking forward to the presentation of the baby's winning trophy.

Unbeknown to her, carnival chiefs had urgently tried to let her know of the sudden change of venue but were unable to contact the infuriated mum.

Mrs Mackie, said: "I was very upset on the day. We had relatives coming over for it and we bought Coral a new dress."

But the good news is that Coral has finally received her trophy, albeit belatedly.

And at the same time, Mrs Mackie has received an apology from the organisers of the Radcliffe carnival for the mix-up on the day of the popular gala.

When the Radcliffe Times heard of Coral's upset we arranged for Queens organiser Mrs Hilda Vevers to do a special individual presentation.

And she was more than delighted to do the honours and to finally bring a big smile to the bonnie babe, pictured with her gold cup.

Mrs Vevers said: "I tried ringing Mr Mackie three times to let her know, but it was all a bit of a last minute rush. Obviously we apologise."