The familiar Flora Day tune echoed round Helston early yesterday morning as the traditional May Day dances got under way.

Members of Helston Town Band, led by musical director John Hitchens, set off from the Guildhall followed by a handful of dancers.

As the band made its way through the town, the number of dancers swelled and there was quite a procession at the end of the route in Coinagehall Street.

Young and old joined in the annual tradition, with members of the beginners, junior and senior bands taking part, along with dancers of all ages.

The happy scenes were due to be repeated yesterday evening, not to mention next Tuesday, when the band will be resplendent in their uniforms and buttonholes and rather more spectators are likely to be lining the dance route.