MAY Day organisers are looking ‘to move with the times’ after making changes to the way the May Queen and Maids of Honour are chosen.

The Knutsford Royal May Day committee said it was sure the public would welcome the ‘important’ changes it has introduced.

Over the past few years the May Day selection process has attracted criticism from a number of Guardian readers, who felt it was outdated.

The committee told the Guardian: “The May Day is steeped in tradition, and whilst this is an important element we know everyone loves and wants to preserve, we felt it was time for some progression and wanted to bring the process a little more up-to-date.”

The first change involves the initial application for the role of May Queen.

In the past this has involved each candidate writing a letter to confirm their eligibility for selection, stating the number of years they have been involved in the May Day and the characters they have been.

All candidates must live within the boundaries of Knutsford Town Council, be aged 11,12 or 13 by February 1, 2019, have been a candidate for Maid of Honour and have taken part in the May Day twice as a character or dancer, since being a candidate for Maid of Honour.

Whilst the criteria remains the same all candidates will be able to complete an application form that can be downloaded from the May Day’s website, knutsford-royal-mayday.co.uk, rather than writing a letter.

“We felt this would be more user-friendly and help to standardise the process,” said the committee.

“It should also act as a useful prompt for those unsure what to include.”

On completion forms are to be posted to Karen Steer, 131 Warren Avenue, Knutsford.

The committee has also made changes to the selection evening.

All candidates will be given a name card rather than a number and will stand in a line rather than walking around the room. Only the female members of the committee will vote.

Additionally each candidate will in turn be asked a short question, which can be found on the application form.

Similarly the candidates for Maid of Honour will also be given a name card, will line up rather than walk, and again only female committee members will vote.

This year the committee has also introduced a Golden Ticket, which will be presented to unsuccessful Maid of Honour candidates.

This will give them and a friend early entry into the character selection.

The committee added: “We are sure members of the public will welcome these changes. We want to move with the times but feel gradual change is best and hope to make further improvements year on year.”

The May Queen and Maid of Honour selection takes place at 7pm on Tuesday, January 29 at Knutsford Academy Lower School.