THE identity of the Holsworthy Pretty Maid for 2025 has been unveiled in a ceremony outside of the Church of St Peter and St Paul.

The Pretty Maids Charity was founded in the mid nineteenth century.

The charity was gifted in the will of the Rev Thomas Meyrick, of Carta Martha nr Launceston, 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."

This year’s Pretty Maid is Miss Paige Chidley, a student in year ten at Holsworthy Community College where she is studying for her GCSEs.

The daughter of Adam and Charlotte Chidley and sister to Lewis. Her Grandparents are Andrew and Rachel Chidley of Holsworthy and Chris and Dee Smith of Newton St Petroc

Paige has been described by her family as a very sociable girl who enjoys spending time with friends and family.

In an address after unveiling Miss Chidley as the new Pretty Maid, those in attendance were told more about her.

It was said: “She is a member of Holsworthy Army Cadet Force and has recently been promoted to corporal, she is currently working towards her three-star training

“During her time with the cadets, she has completed her bronze duke of Edinburgh award and is due to completing the silver Duke of Edinburgh award soon. She will start working towards the gold award in September.

“Paige has also recently completed her Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre.

“At the VE day commemoration service in May, 'Paige had the honour to the carry the army Cadets Standard. She attends the remembrance parades each November.

“Paige is a very active member of the cadets and is always happy to help at community events such as The Holsworthy Show, delivering leaflets around town, she also helps at the annual Bradworthy School mud charity run, whilst also taking part in it to raise funds

“Paige is hoping to be selected for the next NHS cadet Autumn 25/26 cohort in September.

“Paige 's other great interest is Football; she has represented Holsworthy since she was 8 years old and has been a part of the cup winning teams in both North Devon and “Cornwall leagues over the years. Unfortunately, Paige has progressed as far as possible with the Holsworthy Team and now is going to play for Bude Under 16 girl's next season

“Every Christmas Paige helps her Grandfather Andrew assemble the nativity in church, she enjoys attending the churches Civic services and the Christmas Carol service.

“Paige is also a volunteer at Holsworthy Amateur Theatre society where she helps with stewarding and in the sweet kiosk.

“Once Paige has completed her education in Holsworthy, she intends to continue her education at either Callywith or Petroc where she hopes to enrol onto a uniformed college course.”

Miss Chidley replaces Miss Freya Godfrey in the role.