Siobhan Gorman, Organiser of the Sandwell Rose of Tralee Selection, with winning rose, Kelly Bench and the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Mrs. Linda Turton	The Sandwell Rose contestants before the event, left to right: Charlotte Greaves, Fay Leatham, Kelly Bench and Jeanette Friel

The Sandwell Irish Community was celebrating on Saturday May 21st after crowning Kelly Bench, a 25 year old nursery nurse, the first Sandwell Rose.

The event took place at The Days Inn Hotel, West Bromwich, and a good crowd turned out for this inaugural event.

Siobhan Gorman, development manager for the Sandwell Irish Society and organiser of the event said she was thrilled that the night was a success for Sandwell; she congratulated all the girls who took part and wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the evening.
Full story page 33.