THERE will be a sentimental homecoming for a woman who loved the Knutsford Royal May Day festival.

Winnie Miller, 92, who was a born and bred Knutsfordian, attended every parade from 1923, up to her death last December.

Following this year's 151st annual event, her family who will watch the parade, will scatter her ashes, close to where she was born.

Born Winnie Riley, she lived on Stanley Road, with her parents Thomas and Elizabeth and two brothers and four sisters.

After leaving school Winnie worked at the Old Laundry, Drury Lane. She met her future husband Alex, during the Second World War and while he was working at a prisoner of war camp at Toft Hall.

In 1948 Winnie moved to Ayr in Scotland, but chose never to forget Knutsford, committing herself and her family to re-visit the town every year for the May Day procession.

Family friend Ross Lansom, who will be at this year's event, said: "Winnie loved the parade and as a youngster remembered being sat in the giant shoe in the procession which was being pulled along by her two brothers, who at some point let go of it and she rolled back down the hill.

"Despite that scrape, she always had an affection for the event and has returned every single year with her relatives and family which include some of her four children, 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 11 great, great grandchildren, to witness some of them walking in the parade."

He added: "Winnie always thought of Knutsford as her home and returning every year for the parade was a spiritual pilgrimage for the woman who will finally come home this time."