We three queens

ARIANNE Makinson must have blue blood in her.

That is because the 11-year-old is the third sister in her family to be selected as rose queen for St Saviour’s Church in Shaw.

Arianne, who attends Buckstones Primary School, will be crowned by her head teacher Sarah Healey at a service led by vicar Lynne Connolly at St Saviour’s Church tomorrow afternoon.

The musical youngster, who plays both the tenor and French horns, is thrilled to be following in the footsteps of her two sisters.

Eleanor (16) was queen from 2010-2011, and then succeeded by Penny (14).

The tradition of the rose queen as an ambassador for local churches has been running at the parish of East Crompton St James with St Saviour’s for more than 40 years.

The rose queen, together with her retinue, raises funds for the church, on Buckstones Road, through the holding of various events.

Arianne’s brother Oliver (14) and dad Alan (45), a financial adviser, will also be at the church tomorrow to support her on the day, where there will also be entertainment from her school’s choir and brass band.

A traditional afternoon tea, with cupcakes made by proud mum Catherine, will follow at the church, which the family has attended for many years.

Catherine (44), who teaches English and drama in Brighouse, said the experience has given all her daughters public speaking skills and a lot of confidence.

She said: “It’s quite a big role. Arianne’s a bit nervous but she’s thrilled to be chosen, as it means you’re an ambassador for the church.”

Catherine has also made Arianne a teal-coloured dress for the day. She will also be wearing a blue robe worn by her eldest sister when she was rose queen five years ago.