A FLOWER queen has been selected to lead the grand procession at a popular medieval fair next month.

Nine-year-old Jessica Darnton will travel by horse drawn carriage during the parade, which heralds the start of Sedgefield Medieval Fair.

The Sedgefield Hardwick Primary School pupil said she was “really excited” and couldn’t believe it when her name was drawn out of the hat during the flower queen selection on Easter Monday.

Her mother, Claire Darnton said: “She had already won first prize in the Easter bonnet competition so when she found out she was going to be flower queen too she was over the moon.”

Jessica will be joined by her attendants, Eleanor Savage, seven, who also attends Sedgefield Hardwick Primary, and Sedgefield Primary School pupils, Paige Hymer, five, and Megan Elliott, seven.

Megan said: “At first they called another little girl’s name but she didn’t want to do it. They had to pick someone else and I thought ‘it definitely won’t be’ me but it was. I am really happy.”

The 44th Sedgefield Medieval Fair, on Saturday, May 17, will see a host of attractions and activities take place on the green, at Ceddesfeld Hall and elsewhere in the town between 10am and 3pm.

Highlights will include medieval battle reenactments, falconry displays, fairground rides, craft stalls, Punch and Judy shows and much more.