MUMS, dads, children and even dogs all turned out to witness the crowing of this year’s May Queen.

It was the perfect weather for the annual event, which took place on the playing field of Hayton Primary School.

The children’s fun run, which kicked off proceedings at 12.30pm yesterday, saw dozens of youngsters dash around the field - including a one-year-old with her mum - before returning for a reward of sweets.

The fun was followed by some light lunchtime entertainment from the Hexham Morrismen and the Hexhamshire Lassses.

As the church bell struck 1pm, 11-year-old Carys McDonough was crowned as this year’s Hayton Queen.

Robert Newcombe, secretary of the Hayton Community Project (HCP), who helped to set up the festival, said: “A huge amount of activities for all of the family have been held at the festival, from the fun run, to the best chocolate cake competition, which has been very well-attended and supported by the community.

“HCP was initially set up in the early nineties to raise funds for bus shelters on the A69, and it has gone from strength to strength since then.”

A dog show followed later in the afternoon, with a number of prizes up for grabs.

Chilli, a 13-year-old golden retriever, won golden oldie.

A seven-month-old lurcher called Maggie won best junior, and Oscar, a spingerpoo, aged seven months, collected best trick.

Rolo, nine, a cocker spaniel, took home the dog with the waggiest tail award as well as best in show, while five-year-old Marnie, a Bordeaux, won the dog that most looks like their owner.

For the Best of Hayton show, Never Thompson won best chocolate cake, Rachel Newcombe had the best photograph of Hayton in 2019, and Sylvia Tinion won flower arrangement in unusual object.

There was success for several of the children too: Amelia Watson won the best wooden spoon person; Harry Kendall got the award for best wildlife photo; and Daniel Jones won best gingerbread man.