A WORKINGTON girl had her own very special place in West Cumbrian history last weekend as she took on an important position in the much-loved Crab Fair.

Rhya Melville, 12, from Seaton, was given the much sought after title of Crab Fair Queen at the Egremont Crab Fair as the event returned for the first time in four years.

Rhya was absolutely delighted to be the Queen at the historic fair, in what was a very important year for the event, returning for the first time in four years after a hiatus due to Covid and the death of the Queen.

The 12-year-old presented trophies on the evening as well as performing duties throughout the day on the Saturday of the fair, September 16.

Speaking to the Times & Star, Rhya said: “I’m very happy, very excited about being the Queen.

"It’s very exciting, it’s been really fun to do this.

“I’m giving out all of the prizes tonight, it’s been really good so far. All of the people clapping for me and the people on stage, it’s just so surreal and it’s been so good.”

Editor in Chief at the Guinness Book of World Records, Craig Glenday, attended the evening to recognise the fair with the event being officially recognised as the world’s longest running World Gurning Championships.

A certificate was also presented to gurning legend Tommy Mattinson recognising him as holding the world record for the most wins of the World Gurning Championships for a man- who later broke his own record with his 18th win.