MORRIS dancing sides from across the UK took to the streets last weekend to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice with a day of dancing.

The Bradford on Avon Day of Morris Dance involved almost 30 teams, 300 dancers and 100 musicians, including local sides such as Holt Morris Men, White Horse Morris and Malmsbury Morris.

Ladies' morris dancing was represented on the day by Bell's Angels, from Holt, and Hips & Haws, from Biddestone.

Other traditions were represented by a Welsh country dance team from Gwent, Appalachian clog dancers from Wantage and Scottish dancers, from Bath.

Holt Morris Squire, Jon Nibbs, said: "This is the biggest event that we've been a part of in Bradford on Avon since the Olympic Torch came through the town.

"It was lovely to watch the other sides; and local businesses certainly benefitted from the crowds when the weather took a turn for the worst.

"It was lovely to keep the tradition of morris dancing alive and introduce students and locals to this very English tradition."

Mr Nibbs, 66, who lives in The Gravel, said: "We are now gearing up for the Royal Bath & West Show next Wednesday, where we will be performing a traditional "wassailing" dance in the cider tent, singing to the trees to promote a good harvest for the coming year. It's another great English tradition."

The event also included a street market, which showcased locally made goods and artisan food. There were also traditional funfair stalls, including hook a duck, ring the bell, candy floss and a teddy bear tombola.