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The Hartley Morris Men welcome the first sunrise of the summer with a traditional dance at dawn

A GROUP of morris dancers welcomed the first sunrise of the summer with a traditional dance at dawn.

Around 100 people gathered to see the Hartley Morris Men from Gravesend dance at the Druid Burial Coldrum Stones in Trottiscliffe, near West Malling, on May 1.

According to the agricultural calendar, this was the first sunrise of the summer season, and the tradition of dancing to welcome it dates back to ancient times.

Hartley Morris Men member Martin Harris, 60, from Gravesend, said: "It was a perfect transition of spring into summer as the rain clouds yielded to the rising sun and the sky cleared, and the morris men brought their ancient blessings for our forthcoming summer."

Mr Harris has been morris dancing since 1973, while the Hartley Morris Men date back to 1934 and currently have 18 members.

After their sunrise dance, they went to Sedley CofE Primary School, Church Street, Southfleet, to perform for the children.

10:34am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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