BURTON schoolgirl Sipho Nalwamba became Queen of the May after being chosen to reign over the annual village revels.

The youngster took centre stage at the village fair when she was crowned with a garland of flowers by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Josephine Spencer.

Sipho, 11, has been a pupil at Burton School since coming to England from Zambia four years ago.

A Maypole dancer at last year's May Fair, Sipho was picked for the regal role of May Queen in a letter writing contest at the school.

Runner-up in the competition was classmate Katie Whitcher, 10, who was May Princess.

The May Fair was organised by the Friends of St Luke's Church in Burton.

Blessed with a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon, locals flocked to the village green to enjoy a very traditional May Fair.

As well as the dancing display of Burton School pupils around the millennium Maypole the fair also boasted a variety of stalls, tombolas and Golden Jubilee themed events.

The vicar of St Luke's, the Rev Malcolm Surman, said he was delighted so many people and the Mayor had attended the event, which was raising money for church funds.