TEARS of joy trickled down the faces of parents as they watched their daughter being crowned May Queen.

Sarah and Steve Bolton said they were bursting with pride to see Orla taking centre stage at the royal pageant.

The 12-year-old Knutsford schoolgirl has played a role in the festival every year since she was five.

READ > 10 great pictures from Knutsford Royal May Day

Knutsford Guardian: Orla Bolton 'thrilled and honoured' to be this year's Knutsford Royal May Day QueenOrla Bolton 'thrilled and honoured' to be this year's Knutsford Royal May Day Queen (Image: John Horsley)

After making her debut as a tulip, she became a sheep, Betty Blue, sign bearer and was a court lady last year.

Knutsford Guardian: Orla made her debut in Knutsford May as a tulip when she was fiveOrla made her debut in Knutsford May as a tulip when she was five (Image: Sarah Bolton)

Sarah said: “When she was a little tulip I never imagined she would be May Queen. It seems a lifetime ago.

Knutsford Guardian: May Queen Orla Bolton arrives at The Heath with ladies in waiting Holly Pearce and Molly SelkirkMay Queen Orla Bolton arrives at The Heath with ladies in waiting Holly Pearce and Molly Selkirk (Image: John Horsley)

“We are very proud parents. We were in floods, handing out Kleenex!

Knutsford Guardian: May Queen Orla Bolton and her retinueMay Queen Orla Bolton and her retinue (Image: John Horsley)

“The whole pageantry of May Day is special. Being part of it, seeing everybody, the whole spectacle of it.

Knutsford Guardian: May Queen Orla Bolton processes with her retinueMay Queen Orla Bolton processes with her retinue (Image: John Horsley)

“There is a great groundswell of support. Everyone is excited.

“You re-live it when your child is in the role that you were.

Knutsford Guardian: May Queen Orla Bolton said she is 'humbled' to be part of Knutsford's historyMay Queen Orla Bolton said she is 'humbled' to be part of Knutsford's history (Image: John Horsley)

“You can hear people saying: ‘There goes my costume!’ “We are re-living our childhood dreams.”

Crowds cheered and clapped as crown bearer Jack Pearce crowned Orla on The Heath, after children staged a military dance, sword dance, morris dance and Highland Fling.

Knutsford Guardian: Children performed a selection of dances before the crowning ceremonyChildren performed a selection of dances before the crowning ceremony (Image: John Horsley)

Orla, who loves performing ballet and contemporary dance has also appeared in shows and pantos.

A patrol leader at 5th Knutsford Hunters Scout Group, she hopes go to the international camp in Kandersteg, Switzerland next year.

Knutsford Guardian: May Queen Orla Bolton says she can't wait to represent the town at events throughout the yearMay Queen Orla Bolton says she can't wait to represent the town at events throughout the year (Image: John Horsley)

Orla said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be chosen as the 2024 Knutsford Royal May Day Queen and humbled to now be a part of Knutsford’s history.

“I can’t wait to represent the town at events during the year.

Knutsford Guardian: Crown bearer Jack Pearce and May Queen Orla Bolton beside the sanding at her Knutsford homeCrown bearer Jack Pearce and May Queen Orla Bolton beside the sanding at her Knutsford home (Image: Sarah Bolton)

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who works so hard all year to make our May Day celebrations so special.”