JUST weeks after undergoing a serious operation to remove a huge cyst schoolgirl Claire Kaylow, pictured, braved the crowds to be crowned a Rose Queen.

Claire, 12, of Linden Drive, Lostock Hall, was rushed into hospital just three weeks ago after developing a lump in her ovaries.

She was given an emergency scan, which detected the cyst, and was immediately operated on. Once the cyst - described by the surgeon as 'the size of a small football' - was removed, Claire spent a week in hospital recovering.

But the lively Lostock Hall High School pupil was determined to fulfil her duties as St James' Church's new Rose Queen.

And aided by her attendants, her seven-year-old sister Heather, Stephanie Cole, Gemma McDermott and Paul Clayton, Claire took over the title from retiring Rose Queen Joanne Groon on Sunday (June 27).

Her mum Sharon said: "Claire was very brave and did a great job, considering it was just three weeks since the operation.

"The surgeon said the cyst had probably been growing for a couple of years, but had only come to note because it had moved.

"Although Claire was pushed through the procession in a wheelchair, she stood during the crowning service."

Sharon added: "The cyst was so big that when she tried on her confirmation dress, which she wore the day before the operation, it was too big for her!" Claire will return to school in September, once doctors have given her the all-clear.

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