Meet the new South Holland Ambassador Star Perry, of Weston Hills, ahead of Spalding Flower Parade

Tulip Queens and Flower Queens were always a huge part of previous parades - and this year is no exception.

Inclusivity was important to parade organiser Stephen Timewell, meaning that the role was opened up to people of all genders and renamed the South Holland Ambassador.

The judges were eventually left deciding between nine women of all ages, eventually agreeing to hand the crown to 16-year-old Star Perry after a ceremony at Spalding’s South Holland Centre.

Star (16), who lives in Weston Hills with her parents, was especially shocked when she was selected - because she hadn’t applied for the role.

“I really didn’t expect it as my mum Clare put me up for it behind my back,” she said.

“But I love Spalding and the community here - everyone is so lovely and caring so I’m really excited to do this.

“So many people have come up to me in town to congratulate me or have sent messages to say ‘well done’.

“I’m especially looking forward to meeting people and finding out what they want from me.”

Star’s deputy will be 20-year-old Holly Kendrick from Spalding - and they’re looking forward to forming an inspirational duo.

“I want Holly standing next to me all the way through the next twelve months,” she said.

“I think it’s really empowering for us two young women to be carrying on the tradition.

“We can do this.”

Similar to many others, this will actually be the first time Star, who moved to the area from Essex a few months before lockdown, has seen the parade.

But she has a good idea of what to expect, having struck up a friendship with a former Flower Queen long before the event’s revival became a possibility.

“I’m friends with Sarah Crampton, who was Flower Queen in 1992, and she’s told me all about it and I remember asking why it stopped.

“So I know what to expect and I think having it back will be brilliant. I think it’s going to be even bigger than we first anticipated.

“It will be brilliant and I think it will boost the community spirit and morale.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what your background is or how old you are, we’re all coming together to celebrate one thing.

“I just hope everyone is excited because no matter what difficult times they are going through, we can all enjoy this together.”

Steve is hoping to arrange for the ambassadors to visit Jersey’s Battle of Flowers later in the year.

“I’m very pleased with the result,” he said.

“Star is a lovely girl and I think she will settle into the role well - it’s a huge role to take on.

“I think Holly will be a great deputy as well.

“They will be a big part of the parade and will meet people in the arena before and after.”

Star added: “It’s really exciting to think about us representing South Holland further away from home.

“I hope that I can make everyone proud and I promise I won’t let the community down.”