STOURBRIDGE salsa gran Paddy Jones will be guest of honour at this year’s carnival.

Paddy, who made it to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent after wowing the TV judges with her dynamic dance routines with Spanish salsa dancer Nicko Espinosa, has been invited to attend the event on Sunday July 6.

The sprightly great-gran, who turned 80 on Tuesday, used to run Paddy’s Fabrics in Stourbridge's Victoria Passage before retiring to Spain and has always had great affection for the family fun-day - she told the News this week.

She said she and her late husband David “were involved so much at one time with the carnival” and added: “I haven’t actually been since we left Stourbridge – I’ve never been here when it’s been on. To be able to be there this time is going to be absolutely wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.”

Paddy will be judging the traditional carnival princess competition which gets underway at 10.30am on carnival day.

Carnival organiser David Harcourt said: “She’s become a real national star. It’s fantastic. For Paddy to come along and help us – it’s really an honour.”

Paddy’s sons Phil and Nick will also be involved in the event. Phil Jones will be showcasing his 1958 Mercedes in Lower High Street and Nick Jones, assistant scout leader with Wollaston Scout Group, will be there with the scouts who help to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Youngsters wishing to take part in the princess pageant should register in the main arena by the town clock by 10.15am.