MAYPOLE Dancing has finally returned to a Dorset village after years without the community event.

Pupils of Burton C of E Primary School gathered on Burton Green on Friday to take part in a maypole dancing event, the first to be held in the village for several years.

Its return saw crowds of parents and residents watch as the school children danced around the maypole with ribbons to create a multi-coloured pattern.

The event was brought back to the green by Burton and Winkton Parish Council following pleas by residents who had childhood memories of the dances.

Bournemouth Echo:

Cllr Alinda Howland, chair of Burton and Winkton Parish Council, said: “We had a lady who would come to our Parish Council meetings on a regular basis and ask to bring the maypole dancing back because it’s remembered by all of the villagers.

“So, we asked June Davis, another one of our councillors, to get in touch with the school and find out what happened.

“It turned out they didn’t have a maypole anymore.”

The Burton and Winkton Parish council decided to purchase a new maypole and worked closely with Burton C of E Primary School to re-introduce the event.

Alinda added: “During Covid, we had a lot of time as parish councillors to have a think about what needed to be done. One of the first things we did was put trees along Burton green.

“We’ve just been trying to do as many positive things for the village as possible.

"We want to get everyone involved to bring back spirit to the village.”

Cllr June Davis of Burton and Winkton Parish Council, whose daughter had taken part in the maypole dancing more than 20 years ago, said: “After loads of meetings with BCP and health and safety, here we are. I can’t believe it.”

Stephanie King, a Burton resident who had pushed for the maypole’s return, said: “It brings the village together.”