A university graduate returned from Africa with more than souvenirs - she came back with a royal title.

Kathryn Prosser, 25, of Maldon Road, Chelmsford, spent six months working in Ghana after flying out in January.

But she did not realise how grateful villagers were until they decided to make her their queen mother.

In a colourful ceremony, Kathryn was carried through the streets by four men and pledged an oath to come and support the village if called.

Kathryn, a former pupil of Sandon School, went to the tiny village of Assin Endwa to teach English and general science for three months - but she liked it so much she stayed for another three.

She was crowned Nana Bimpomma, which means Queen Mother of developments, in a day-long ceremony.

"I had my own dancing girl who was only four and she sat in a special chair with me as we went down the street," said Kathryn.

Village elders presented her with a hand-carved stool as a throne: "It has two crocodiles carved on it and they have a shared stomach which represents me and the people of the village working together,"

Kathryn, whose parents flew out to see their daughter crowned, pledged to help combat problems including illiteracy, teenage pregnancy and lack of electricity and proper sanitation.

"They want someone who can help them progress and obviously it is a huge honour. It is certainly a talking point down the pub!"

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