VISITING dignitaries may not be invited to this year's Holsworthy Pretty Maid ceremony after the church decided they must stand with the other parishioners.

The town council had written to Rev Michael Reynolds enquiring whether the church was happy to continue to allow dignitaries, attending the Pretty Maid ceremony, to sit or stand either side of the church.

After discussions with the two churchwardens and various members of the church congregation, Fr Michael Reynolds wrote back to the council: "We will be delighted for the visiting dignitaries to be present at the Pretty Maid ceremony; however, it is considered that they should stand with the other parishioners."

He added: "We feel that this decision is right, since the Pretty Maid ceremony is an important occasion for the townspeople of Holsworthy and everyone should have an equal opportunity to view the ceremony without any priority being given."

At a meeting of the town council on Wednesday, May 6, Cllr Richard Brown said the council may have to "reconsider inviting anyone to Fair Day."

The Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Squire said some of the chains worn by the dignitaries were "priceless" and she also wondered whether the town council should "cancel the whole thing."

She queried whether the council should still invite the dignitaries to the St Peter's Fair lunch, this year being organised by the fair committee, but not to the ceremony.

However, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Becky Buckingham said: "I don't personally think there's any point doing any of it."

She added: "What's the point of just coming for lunch?"

Cllr Richard Brown proposed that the council say "fair enough don't bother." Cllr Buckingham seconded his proposal, however councillors voted against it.

Cllr David Smith felt Cllr Brown's proposal was "very much a dog in the manger attitude" and he proposed that the council meet with the church to try and resolve the situation.

This was seconded by Cllr Richard Kennedy and seven councillors voted in favour with two against.