Rutland Morris gathered in Uppingham at 5.17am on Friday to perform a 45-minute dance for the crowds before retiring to The Vaults for a well-earned pint.

The Morris side has been visiting the Market Square on May 1 for decades in a tradition which is reflected across the country.

Morris man David Casewell, of North Street West, said: “There has always been a Morris tradition of greeting May Day at dawn for the first day of summer. We had about 13 dancers and three musicians as well as a crowd of regular spectators.”

The streets were lined with people from Uppingham, Leicester and Stamford who watched the spectacle before the dancers left for the pub.

David, 60, added: “A pint of beer goes surprisingly well with a full English breakfast.”

One of the event’s highlights was the signposts dance which encouraged members to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the coming year. In contrast to the normal hullabaloo it was danced to a solo fiddle player and in silence.

The group has a busy year ahead with regular Monday meeting, village shows and a national event at the Isle of White.

The next outing will be at 8pm on Monday at The Millstone in Ryhall, followed by the Castle Inn at Castle Bytham at 9pm. New dancers are always welcome. Call David Casewell on 01572 821566 for details.