LOCAL dignitaries will attend this year's Pretty Maid

ceremony in Holsworthy as it has been agreed that they can stand by the church gates.

Fr Michael Reynolds had previously written to the town council stating that the church would "be delighted for the

visiting dignitaries to be present at the Pretty Maid ceremony" however, he added: "It is considered that they should stand with the other parishioners."

As a result, at the council's May meeting, some councillors proposed that the council should not invite the visiting

dignitaries to the event.

However, Cllr David Smith suggested that the council meet with the church to try and resolve the situation.

At last Wednesday's town council meeting, the town clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley reported that the situation had been resolved and the dignitaries "will be standing on the left hand side by the church gates."