STAR of the small screen, Georgia Foote, has been crowned the new Bury Hospice Red Rose princess.

The young actress, part of the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop, plays Alison Simmons in Grange Hill and is set to start filming the third series of the teen-drama soon.

Georgia (15), of Lum Street, Walmersley, who attends Elton High School, will be taking time out of her busy schedule to represent the Red Rose festival charity throughout the annual festival.

This is the 14th year of the festival and each year it has raised around £30,000 for the hospice in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe.

The festival will officially begin next Saturday March 25 with a spring fair at Bury Parish Church Hall starting at 10am, followed by the Red Rose Ball spectacular at the Longfield Suite on April 1.

The following day will be the Holcombe Hill Challenge. Run or walk up the hill at your own pace, and complete the event to receive a certificate.

Bury Croquet Club will be holding its annual open day on April 22, in support of the hospice at Coronation Park, Radcliffe.

Enjoy a Last Night at the Proms style musical experience at the St George's Day concert on April 22 at Radcliffe Civic Suite where entertainment will be provided by the BMP Europe Goodshaw Brass band. On April 24, the hospice will be holding a ten pin bowling competition at Megabowl Pilsworth with prizes for the most original team name, best fancy dress and a trophy for the winners.

The festival final event will be the golf day at Bury Golf Club on May 4. Teams can be booked in for the Texas Scramble, play and enjoy a meal and a chance to win superb prizes.

Throughout the Red Rose Festival, people will be asked to make a donation and don a red rose,on sale at shops and other outlets throughout the borough.

Mervyn Reeves, hospice fundraising manager, said: "The Red Rose Festival is important in raising awareness of the hospice and the work it does. We hope that as many people as possible get involved. There will be something to interest everybody."