CORONATION Street legend Barbara Knox was thrilled to have a rose named in her honour to celebrate her forthcoming 90th birthday.

The actress, who has played Rita in the ITV soap for an incredible seven decades, was presented with an orange climbing rose aptly named ‘Gracious Lady’ at the RHS Tatton Flower Show.

Barbara said: “I’m honoured.

“Sometimes you get presents, and they are lovely, but this one will live with me for a very long time.

“I’m delighted with it. I love the colour.

“Very few people have a flower named after them.”

Barbara shed tears of joy as a fellow soap star from the famous cobbles suddenly turned up.

Thelma Barlow, 94, who played Mavis Wilson in the Kabin newsagent, alongside Rita, delighted fans with an unexpected appearance.

Northwich Guardian: Barbara Knox shed tears of joy when she was reunited with Thelma BarlowBarbara Knox shed tears of joy when she was reunited with Thelma Barlow (Image: Newsquest)

The pair have remained close friends after spending almost 30 years on screen in their light-hearted double act.

The emotional reunion was filmed for a new ITV documentary set to be screened later this year to celebrate Barbara’s milestone birthday.

Northwich Guardian: Barbara Knox and Thelma Barlow played an iconic duo in Coronation Street for more than 30 yearsBarbara Knox and Thelma Barlow played an iconic duo in Coronation Street for more than 30 years (Image: Newsquest)

Mavis said: “It was gorgeous to see Barbara. We’re good friends and worked happily together.”

Barbara said: “She was the best partner I could ever have had.Never had a cross word.

Northwich Guardian: Barbara Knox and Thelma Barlow played Rita and Mavis in the 1970s, 80s and 90sBarbara Knox and Thelma Barlow played Rita and Mavis in the 1970s, 80s and 90s (Image: Newsquest)

“We were so fond of each other, we went everywhere together.”

“We had a lovely relationship and we still have.

The veteran actress is currently the longest-serving cast member in Coronation Street, behind William Roach, who has played Ken Barlow since the first episode in 1960.

Northwich Guardian: Barbara Knox admiring the roses on display at in the Floral Marquee at the RHS Tatton Flower ShowBarbara Knox admiring the roses on display at in the Floral Marquee at the RHS Tatton Flower Show (Image: Newsquest)

When asked what is her secret to remain so energetic and youthful, Barbara said: “I always recommend work, keep on working, it keeps you young.

“I always say to people don’t retire, just see if you can carry on working. It’s much better than sitting at home.

“I’m going to be 90 in September, I can’t believe it.”

Northwich Guardian: Jill Kerr, Blue Diamond group relationship manager, presents the 'Gracious Lady' rose to Barbara KnoxJill Kerr, Blue Diamond group relationship manager, presents the 'Gracious Lady' rose to Barbara Knox (Image: Newsquest)

Jill Kerr, Blue Diamond group relationship manager said: “Blue Diamond are delighted to be able to launch a rose for this very special and iconic lady, especially given the soap’s northern roots, which link with those of the home of Fryer’s roses, which is only a stone’s throw from RHS Tatton Park Flower Show.”

Rosa ‘Gracious Lady, bred by Rosen Tantau, is a climbing rose which produces fragrant, long-lasting, light orange blooms which radiate in the sunlight.