The 2006 Lady of the Lake was unveiled at Friday night's opening of the popular Festival, when 22-year-old Donna Law arrived by Mini, promoting the theme of this year's Festival, 'The Swinging Sixties'.

Donna, who works in Glenwood Filling Station, in the town, was a popular choice with the crowd who thronged the street and greeted her with cheering and applause. She takes over the role from Maria McCrossan who has completed her role as the 2005 Lady.

The ladies-in-waiting for the 2006 'Lady' are Edel Gallagher from Irvinestown Primary School, and Loretta Guy from St Paul's Primary School.

'TOTALLY SHOCKED'

Donna, who lives a home with her father Thomas, is a former pupil of the Duke of Westminster High School, Kesh. She then studied Childcare at Fermanagh College.

Never expecting the robe and sash to land at her door, Donna admits she was 'totally shocked' when Mary O'Brien arrived at her home, about two weeks ago, to tell her she'd been selected as the Lady.

Since then, life for Donna has taken on a pace of its' own: "It's been mad since then, the last two weeks, trying to get outfits organised, and also I had to keep it a secret, which was the hardest part of it."

A popular face in Glenwood, Donna admits much of her success could be down to her role in the shop, where she explains: "I could get on with anybody."

HECTIC

With a hectic week ahead, Donna explained that Monday of this week saw her leaving home at 1pm, with a list of events to attend, and not returning home until the early hours.

She is a regular festival-goer every year, and, among some of the events she is looking forward to attending as Irvinestown's first citizen include the teddy-bears picnic, the drama night, and the fancy dress parade.

The Festival is, as always, proving popular with locals and visitors alike, with the weather surely adding the icing on the cake.