Richard’s starring role

BREAK with tradition . . . Harvest King Richard Blythe with attendants (front, from left) Trinity May Watson, Maddie Leadbeater, Luke Southerington and (back)Abigail Blythe

A BREAK with tradition saw Friezland Church crown its first ever Harvest King.

Richard Blythe (10) took up the regal role in the presence of 10 harvest queens in Greenfield on Saturday.

The youngster accepted the role after no girls of the right age could be found to take up the year-long position.

Richard, a pupil at St Chad’s CE Primary, is also following in a family tradition as his sister Abigail (17) is a former Friezland Harvest Queen.

Proud mum Angela, from Uppermill, said: “There were a few girls who were eligible but were not interested in the role.

“So a forward-thinking junior church leader said it should be offered to Richard who was the right age, instead of going down an age group.

“Richard loves being on stage and is used to it as he is a talented guitarist.

“In fact, I had to tone down the coronation outfit I was making for him as he wanted it to be more flashy.

“We know what the position entails as we visited 26 churches across Greater Manchester when his sister was Harvest Queen.

“He loves being centre of attention and is really looking forward to the role, especially the Whit Walks.”