BANK holiday Monday saw the revival of a traditional ceremony at one New Forest village - the crowning of a May princess, Emily Gates, 11.

Hundreds gathered to watch the spectacle on Milford on Sea village green as part of this year's May Fayre.

Children from Milford on Sea Primary School had entered the contest.

And the fayre also saw the return of maypole dancing thanks some out-of-school practice by pupils.

It was organised by the Milford on Sea village community committee.

Ken Wheatley of the committee said a surprising number of visitors - about 400 - turned out.

"It was fantastic and the weather was so kind to us. The May princess shone through," he said.

"The village green was awash with people who all had a smile on their face. It was a happy place to be."