A team of morris men entertained crowds in Chipperfield at the weekend maintaining a tradition that has continued for more than half a century.

The Greensleeves Morris Men have performed in the village on the second weekend of July every year since 1961.

Making the most of the bright sunshine, the morris men jigged and danced in front of hundreds of villagers and visitors.

This year they were joined by Dolphin, Monkseaton, Thelwall and Wath Morris Men as well as a visiting Dutch side Utrecht.

Reflecting on their 53rd visit to the village, Greensleeves bagman David Cooling said: "I think this year was great.

"The weather was really, really favourable for us and it was just a lovely day.

"We also had excellent company with one side coming from Holland - the last time they came was in the year 2000 so this year was a very special occasion.

"We have become an integral part of the village which is an excellent position to be in."

Greensleeves is based in Wimbledon, south west London, but began performing in Chipperfield in 1961 when one of their members lived in the village.

Their weekend started at 9pm on Friday (July 12) when the morris men danced around the tree planted on Chipperfield Common by them in memory of Leslie Nichols, former Squire and former Squire of the Morris Ring.

On Saturday, joined by the visiting sides, they toured neighbouring towns and villages then on Sunday the finale saw a procession to an open air church service at St Paul’s Church before the group moved on to the Windmill pub to perform again.

David Hayes, Greensleeves’ publicity officer added: "It was a great weekend, we had enthusiastic crowds the whole time.

"It was really good but we always get a good welcome in Chipperfield.

"The Sunday service went extremely well, it is a big family event and you see all generations there.

"This year there were five other sides so some of the dances were extremely colourful.

"After the procession we went to the Windmill pub and performed in the car park which also got a good reception."