BESPECTACLED Brenda Cockayne and a true grit team of helpers really made sure white roses grew with pride at a unique weekend ceremony.

Because despite concerns over staging Saddleworth’s Yorkshire Day, resolute Brenda, supported by her close friend Marie Whitehouse, rallied massive local enthusiasm ensuring the heritage event took its rightful place in Uppermill.

And she received positive backing from the parish council, businesses and volunteer organisations for a successful country fair on King George playing fields.

The day launched with a special ceremony near the statue of famed local poet Ammon Wrigley when, after a brass band introduction, Robert Rodgers read the Yorkshire Declaration.

The declaration says: “Yorkshire is three Ridings and the city of York... the address of all these places in all these Ridings is Yorkshire.

“That all persons born therein or resident therein and loyal to the ridings are Yorkshire men and Yorkshire women.”

And it adds sombrely: “Any person or corporate body that ignores or denies the aforementioned shall forfeit all claims to Yorkshire status.”

This year, Yorkshire was 1,144 years old and Mr Rodgers, sporting a deer stalker decorated with white roses, read the Declaration at 11.44 am by Wrigley’s statue.

In keeping with tradition, the chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, Jamie Curley placed a garland of white roses round the poets shoulders.

Underpinning the symbolic meaning of the event, Cllr Curley read one of Ammon’s poems which said: “Home to Saddleworth what more do I need than the hills I love and the men they breed.

“And I’ll roam no more for ne’er have I found more kindler hearts or a dearer ground.”

The audience joined in singing of “The Pratty Flowers” before adjourning to St George’s playing fields fir the country fair.

Visitors shared the delights of local produce on a range of food and craft stalls and attractions included a colourful display of tractors, a dry stone walling demonstration, a duck race, dog show, s cake bake off backed by performances from local musicians.

Brenda added:”I’ve been bowled over my support from the whole community abc my marvellous team. Thanks everyone.”

Yorkshire Day is officially marked on August 1 but Saddleworth’s celebrations take place on the Sunday closest to that date.