A TRADITION that stretches back more than 100 years is alive and well in a Furness village.

For the people of Urswick, the annual Rushbearing festival marks a high point on their calendar.

This weekend, the village will come together as one to celebrate a proud part of their heritage.

For the Ritchie family, this year's procession will be particularly special.

Milly Ritchie, 12, of Urswick, will become the third woman from the same family to serve as the rushbearing queen.

Milly's mum, Jo spoke of how proud she was of her daughter.

She said: "I'm very proud of her, it's a village tradition and it's very nice that we can compare our experiences."

In 1984 Mrs Ritchie was named as the rusbearing queen, and her mother, Christine Swarbrick before her in 1958.

For the women born and bred in Urswick it was a wonderful honour to receive.

Mrs Ritchie said: "I was born and bred in Urswick; I moved away but I wanted to come back to raise my kids here.

"Being part of the community is a big thing for me."

Milly will also be carrying a treasured piece of family history with her, the crown she wears will be the same one her mother wore as a young girl.

"Milly's a bit nervous, but she's excited. She's been preparing by getting her dress ready."

Milly is not the only one with a few nerves in anticipation of the procession.

This year, a new festival co-ordinator has taken charge, ready to make her mark on her home village.

Nicola Troughton, 43, has been involved with the procession since she was a little girl - and her daughter served as rushbearing queen just three years ago.

As a teacher at Low Furness CE Primary School, Mrs Troughton knows just how much the rushbearing means to her village.

She said: "Rushbearing is a tradition that dates back 100 years. This year will be our 112th festival.

"It's a highlight of the calendar, it means a lot to the village to keep it going. It's important to keep old traditions alive."

Before the procession on Sunday, pupils at Low Furness will be weaving garlands of rushes to carry along as they walk.

Members of the public are also invited to come to the school from 10am on Saturday September 24 to help prepare the decorations.

The main event will take place on September 25, assembling from Low Furness school around 12.30pm.

The rushbearing procession will start from the school, making its way though the village past landmarks such as the Derby Arms, before making its way to the village church for a service.

The procession will be led by the Dalton Town Band, followed by members of the village church, the choir, Urswick Brownies and members of the public.

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