Knutsford May Queen dressmaker shares her pride and joy

Thousands come into town to watch the historic pageant, dating back to 1864 and the only one of its kind in the country.

Around 600 children wearing colourful costumes to depict characters from bygone times, will parade around the town today, Saturday, for the event hailed the highlight of the town's calendar.

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The stunning dresses worn by May Queens have been made by one dedicated lady for the past 33 years.

Passionate dressmaker Audrey Horth has spoken about her pride and joy creating the bespoke gowns.

The 82-year-old said: “The best present for me is when I see how much they like the dress.”

Dressmaker Audrey Horth delighted to see May Queen Amelie McGill Anglin is so happy with her dress (Image: Nicola Anglin)

The great gran spent two months sewing for this year’s May Queen, 12-year-old Amelie McGill Anglin.

Amelie’s mum, Nicola, said: “Audrey has been amazing. We want to say a big thank you to her.

“Amelie is really excited.”

May Queens can choose their own style which they pay for and can keep.

“Amelie knew exactly what she wanted,” said Audrey.

“It was strange as she chose a medieval dress, the same style as my granddaughter Naomi, who was May Queen in 2005!

"She knew what she wanted straightaway, I didn't coax her."

The material and design of the dress however is completely different.

“It is in duchesse satin, encrusted with pearls, beads, and sequins,” said Audrey.

“She wanted flamboyance, with Guinevere sleeves and she’s certainly got it. The dress is beautiful.

“Her little face just lit up when she saw it”

Audrey has also made hundreds of dresses for ladies in waiting, six each year.

“I love sewing,” said Audrey.

“I started sewing when I was about eight on a treadle sewing machine.

“My mum used to sew and she taught me. I’m not trained, I picked things up on the way.”

Audrey worked as a secretary for ICI when she left school.

After marrying Geoff, she stayed at home to bring up her family.

She has three children, Andrew, 61, Karen, 59 and Joanne, 51, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Sadly, she has now decided to retire.

“I’m crippled with arthritis,” she said. “My fingers are sore.

“I will miss it but my eldest daughter Karen does the court, Joanne does costumes and my granddaughter Shayna teaches the children maypole dancing.

“With my family all involved in May Day, I will still be around.”