Oakham’s new mayor, Jan Fillingham, had the honour of crowing the Southfield Primary School’s May king and queen as her first official engagement, before settling down to watch a number of spectacular dance performances.

Eleven-year-olds Jenna-Marie Charlton and Jared McKillop oversaw the events from their thrones as this year’s royal duo and were attended by four-year-olds Bertie Bradberry and Georgia Bell.

The two children earned their titles by giving a speech to their fellow pupils before the whole school voted.

Headteacher Jen Hazell said: “The annual afternoon of dance has to be one of my favourite events in the school year. The children have to work so hard to put on a quality performance, and it is a lovely communal event.

“The whole school took part in the May dancing which included salsa, Bollywood and kung fun dancing, as well as the more traditional dance.”

“We had a great day.”

At St Mary and St John Primary, in North Luffenham, the school’s May king and queen, took pride of place at the May celebrations.

Queen Katie Jackson, 10, and King Kieran Bland, 11, were the day’s dignitaries at events including musical performances and traditional maypole dancing.

A maypole was made by Colin Heasall especially for the day with wood donated by Roses Woodyard in the village.