THE identity of Holsworthy’s Pretty Maid was unveiled on Wednesday at a traditional ceremony held every year during St Peter’s Fair week.

The crowds cheered as Miss Freya Godfrey walked out of the doors to St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church at the stroke of noon.

The Pretty Maid Charity was founded in the mid nineteenth century and was a benefactor in the will of the Rev Thomas Meyrick, of Carta Martha, who died on May 27, 1841. He was the brother of the Rev Owen Meyrick, one-time rector of Holsworthy.

Under the terms of the will the income from the legacy is to be paid annually: “To a young single woman resident in Holsworthy under the age of 30 who is generally esteemed as the most deserving; the most handsome; the most noted for her quietness and attendance at church.”

The trustees of the Pretty Maid Charity handed over their responsibilities to the trustees of the Speccotts Charity some years ago who continue to present the accolade to one lucky member of the community each year.

Freya is the elder daughter of Richard and Charmayne Godfrey and sister to Layla. Her grandparents are Jean and James Frayne.

Freya attended both Holsworthy Primary School and Holsworthy Community College. She studied at Callywith College in Bodmin obtaining A-Levels in geography, sociology and physical education. She is enrolled to begin her higher education at Marjon University in Plymouth where she will study for a bachelor of education qualification in physical education in secondary education with enhancement.

Freya has been on a gap year since leaving Callywith College and has spent time travelling around South East Asia and Italy. On her return she has been gaining work experience at Holsworthy Primary School.

She is captain of Holsworthy Ladies Cricket team, and she was the first girl to play for the men’s team. She has successfully obtained a level one coaching qualification and she currently coaches the Allstar, Dynamo and youth cricket teams.

Freya has for several years assisted her grandmother Jean in the decoration of the beautiful flower garland that decorates the church entrance on fair week.

She has also supported and assisted her grandmother Jean in organising coffee mornings in support of charities such as the Devon Air Ambulance and The British Heart Foundation.

Freya regularly attended Sunday School and helped at messy church.

Announcing Freya to the world Helen Parker, trustee for Speccotts Charity, added: “On behalf of the Speccotts Charity, let me be the first to congratulate you upon receiving this award.”