ON WEDNESDAY, July 6, Holsworthy's best kept secret was announced as this year's Pretty Maid made her way out of the belfry doors of St Peter and Paul's Parish Church.

As the clock struck 12 noon, Lauren Barriball exited the church to be welcomed by the crowd of parishioners and visitors who watched outside.

Unique to the town, the Pretty Maid tradition has been running since 1841, when Rev Thomas Meyrick instigated it by bequeathing a sum of £100 to a 'Pretty Maid' charity.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.