When Michelle Tretton was three years old doctors feared she only had a short time to live.

But now 18 and Keighley's newly crowned Gala Queen, her sunny personality has defied her illness and dazzled gala judges.

Diagnosed with bladder cancer at three, Michelle endured three years of chemotherapy, having her bladder removed and an operation to fit a false one.

But after being given the all-clear three years ago she says she cannot remember much of the illness.

She looks forward to her new role, which will be more than just riding on a carnival float.

Keighley's Gala Queen and her entourage act as ambassadors to the town, travelling around the district and across the Pennines.

Michelle says: "I'll tell people there's quite a bit to do in Keighley. They can ride on steam trains and go to museums."

She feels well-equipped to face critics and those reacting negatively to the Gala party.

She says: "We were asked what we would do if people are shouting horrible things. I know what that's like -- I had no hair for a long time.

"In hospital I always dreamed of being a bridesmaid and wearing a dress like a queen. It's a dream come true."

Michelle's proud mum Christine, who says her daughter is a "little fighter" adds: "She loves being in the middle of people and helping people smile."

This is something Michelle hopes to aim for in the future.

Working part-time at Sainsbury's, she attends a BTEC carers' course at Keighley College. She would like to either be a nursery nurse or work at a hospital playroom.

Says Michelle: "I sometimes feel different with what I had to put up with, but my family and friends have always helped me through. I've always been good at making friends. I just say 'hello I'm Michelle'."

Keighley Gala secretary Joyce Ashworth says Michelle's medical history was irrelevant to her being selected.

She says: "A major factor is personality, which must come through and impress judges. Marks are given before they know anything about them."

* Deputy queen is 15-year-old Sorarya Ahad, of Glen Lee Lane, junior queen - Lauren Busfield, of Staveley Road, princess - Natasha Walker, nine, of Spring Avenue, rosebud - five-year-old Nicole Noon, of North Dean Avenue, and page boy - Joseph Farrell, four, of Parkwood Rise.

This year's Gala parade is on Saturday, June 2.