Laura Raynard has been chosen as the flower queen for this year's Sedgefield Medieval Fair.

The eight-year-old, who attends Hardwick School, was chosen for the honour at the annual flower queen disco, held in Ceddesfeld Hall.

Her attendants will be Carolyn Phillips, nine, from Trimdon Village School, ten-year-old Charlotte Pollock and 11-year-old Hannah Rowley, who go to Sedgefield Primary School, and Jasmine Tate, eight, from Hardwick School.

Laura will be on the float which leads the parade to open the event at 9.45am on Saturday, May 18.

One of the highlights of this year's fair is the return of The Knights of the Black Phoenix, who will demonstrate how knights were trained in jousting and combat techniques.

Visitors will be invited to remove the sword Excalibur from its stone and there will be a jousting competition for children aged six and above who dress in chain mail or medieval costume.

Family entertainment includes dancing, a tug o'war, a fun fair and a wide variety of stalls and games.

Ceddesfeld Hall will host displays of falconry, living history exhibitions and Punch and Judy shows, as well as offering morning coffee, home-made lunches and an all-day bar.

Proceeds from the fair will go to the upkeep of the hall.

For more information contact Maxine Robinson on (01740) 620042 or Wendy Gill on (01740) 620206.