A 99-YEAR-OLD will smash records at a town’s annual meet parade later this month when she takes up the role of carnival queen.

Sprightly Gladys Sparks said she was “honoured” when organisers of the Barnard Castle Meet Committee asked her to take up the carnival’s most prestigious role for their annual parade through the market town on Monday, May 28.

The great-great-grandmother’s family originate from the town and she is now resident at its Charles Dickens care home after spending most of her life in the nearby villages of Cockfield and Copley.

Talking about the role, Mrs Sparks said: “I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s a great achievement and an honour especially when you get to nearly 100.”

It is not the first time Mrs Sparks has played a role in parades as she took part in her first one aged just four.

Mrs Sparks, who turns 100 on July 12, said they are great fun to be in and has lost count of the amount she has done but particularly enjoys taking on a character, often with members of her family to make a complete cast.

Her latest appearances have included Mary Poppins and Queen Elizabeth II although Mrs Sparks said her favourite was the time she dressed up as Lady Godiva and rode through the streets on a real horse in the 1990s.

“I think it’s lovely that they want me to be carnival queen and I’m pleased that I’m here to be the queen,” she said. “I’m thrilled to bits and it just puts the finishing touch on my life.”

In true royal style, Mrs Sparks will be wearing her best frock and a tiara for the occasion while organisers also have a surprise mode of transport planned.

She will be joined by her great-granddaughters Sarah, 32, and Rebecca, 28, and great-great-grandchildren, Ella-Rose, eight, Harrison, five and Henry, one.

Shona Robinson, of the meet committee, said everyone was over the moon that Mrs Sparks had agreed to be carnival queen and residents and visitors were in for a treat for the whole weekend, which runs from May 26 to May 28.

The fun weekend will include annual highlights such as a fun run, boat race, pet show and live music.

This year there will also be a special Fishdance performance as part of The Bowes Museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

Mrs Robinson said: “It’s really exciting and the parade this year is going to be fantastic.”

For a free programme call into Oliver Twist’s or Star Flowers, in Barnard Castle, or search for Barnard Castle Meet on Facebook.