Carnival queen not slowing down in her 90th year

A woman from Devon is gearing up for another carnival season, this time in her ninth decade.

In 1953 Irene Hill was crowned Axminster carnival queen and is still involved with the pastime more than 70 years later.

At 90 years old, Ms Hill is the oldest member of the Nuttsford Nutters Carnival Club in Colyton, and performs on the club float throughout the carnival season.

Talking about her love for carnivals, she said "generally, it's my life".

Ms Hill said: "I love being with the people, I love all the group that we've got here.

"I absolutely adore carnivals and I always have done."

The nonagenarian is known as Nanny or Nan Rene on the carnival circuit and has lots of fans.

Ms Hill's granddaughter Helen Wilson said Nanny had to be "in a prime position on the float".

She said: "People come to see her, when we do the local carnivals it's always 'Nan, Nan, Nan' from the crowd, and you've got to have her in a prime position.

"She ain't ever gonna give up."

Ms Hill said she tries to keep active and have fun, and has no plans to retire.

"I shall only stop if my health gives out or they won't have me anymore, or if I feel I can't do it anymore," she said.

Despite celebrating her 90th birthday earlier this month, Ms Hill is showing no signs of stopping.

Fellow Nuttsford Nutters member Gail Jarman added: "She's always happy to get on the float."

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