THE first Miss Rickmansworth and her attendants of the millennium were chosen at a crowning ceremony last week.

At The Rickmansworth Society's AGM on Thursday, April 6, at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Park Road, Rickmansworth, the prestigious title was given in the presence of society president Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom.

Pictured are Katharine Thomas, 11, who was declared Miss Rickmansworth 2000 and her attendants Elizabeth Goates and Charlotte Miller, both 11.

The three girls, who attend St Mary's JMI in Stockers Farm Road, Rickmansworth, were chosen by their classmates.

Katharine's mum, Carol, watched proudly as her daughter received her gown and tiara. Mrs Thomas, of The Mount, Rickmansworth, said: 'The family is so proud of Katharine. What makes it extra special is that she was voted for by her peers.'

On the evening the society thanked The Watford Observer for providing the £100 prize money, which will be divided between the girls and their school.

Society chairman Mrs Kay Mendelssohn, MBE, said; 'This evening is extra special because our president is present.

'Last year it was so lovely to have Miss Rickmansworth and her attendants at the Ricky Week carnival parade.

'They were full of joy and they loved every minute of the community event.

'The girls this year are equally as lovely and I'm sure will enjoy it just as much.'

Miss Rickmansworth and her two attendants will be publicly crowned at the Ricky Week carnival parade, and they will also be present when South MP for West Hertfordshire Mr Richard Page formally opens the society's 46th Rickmansworth Week, on Saturday, May 13.