WE are looking back 90 years today, when young Kathleen Robinson was chosen to be the May Queen at the annual festival of the Blackburn and District Band of Hope Union.

She was the aunt of local Blackburn historian Barbara Riding and was just 13 when she took her place on the throne.

Our second picture is the Band of Hope Festival in the town hall the following year, when Kathleen, wearing an ivory crepe de chine, embroidered dress with blue silk train, handed over office to the new Queen, Lizzie Sharples, on the left.

According to the Weekly Telegraph for May 10, 1919, the two thrones were set between gilded pillars and illuminated with lights and fairy lanterns - Mr F L Yates, electrical engineer, of New Bank Road, had been responsible for the illuminations for 16 years.

Kathleen also delivered a speech, expressing her pleasure that victory had been won by the Allies, that right had triumphed over wrong and that they could do something to make the nation strong by raising the Temperance flag on high.

Many of the 100 children, who were wearing fancy dress, took part in the entertainment, which included a pageant, Morris and maypole dancing, while a choir sang "Now the War is Over."

Kathleen subsequently married Richard Sager, and for many years they had a wool shop at Sudell Cross, which also sold Bear Brand' hose and always had dainty tea aprons in stock.

Do any of you remember it?