MORRIS Dancing teams from across the area enjoyed St George's Day in fashion with a parade of different styles of dance.

Teams from across North and North East Hampshire came together to celebrate the day of the Patron Saint of England. St George's Day marked the first official dance of the season and saw three different styles of morris dancing - English Morris, Garland dancing and North West Morris Dancing.

Five teams of almost 80 people attended the event, which began in Odiham before ending in The Anchor Inn in North Warnborough.

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A tradition that started in the 1400s, morris dancing is a form of English folk dance. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers, usually wearing bell pads on their shins.

Implements such as sticks, swords and handkerchiefs may also be used by the dancers. They clap their sticks, swords, or handkerchiefs together to match the dance.

Basingstoke Gazette:

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John Ellis, from Hook Eagles, said: "We always like to celebrate St George's Day. Everyone had a really good day and lots of fun which is the main thing. It's a great occasion which we try to celebrate every year and, with it falling on a weekend this year, allowed us to make the most of the occasion."

He added: "We're always looking for new members and have groups scattered across the local area, in Basingstoke, Hook, Alton and more. It's good fun and a great community of people, so I'd endeavour people to try something new!"