It was an exciting start to the week for the four Helstonians who were revealed on Monday as leading this year's Early Morning and Evening Dances on Flora Day.

Heading up the set will be Aaron Lander and Emma Stringer, with Ben Head and Natalie Bunt immediately behind them.

They will have the honour of getting Flora Day started when the first beat of the bass drum coincides with the first strike of the Guildhall clock at 7am on May 8.

They will then return at 5pm to finish the day's dancing.

Aaron and Emma were second lead couple back in 2016 and have now been promoted to the front spot.

It will be their 15th year of dancing together, having become childhood friends as members of St John Ambulance.

Flora Day has always been a special day for Aaron, who became engaged to his wife Ruby in the gardens of Lismore on that day before going on to name their daughter Lily, after the lily of the valley worn by all dancers.

Aaron, who works as a clinical team leader with the London Ambulance Service, said he felt "elated" to be asked back as lead man, saying: "I'm over the moon. I'm nervous and excited at the same time!"

The 36-year-old said there was more pressure being first out the door and directly behind Helston Town Band but added: "I'm really looking forward to what will be an exciting and hopefully dry day."

It will have been 25 years exactly since Emma led the Children's Dance with her brother James, while in year six at St Michael's School, and she said it was a "bit of a shock" to be asked to lead again only three years after being second lead.

The 36-year-old is perhaps better known by her maiden name King, with her dad Jamie previously owning a shoe repair business in Coinagehall Street and her mum Helena also very well known locally.

Emma, who still lives in Helston, said: "The atmosphere of the seven and five [dances] is absolutely fantastic. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves."

They will be immediately followed this year by Ben Head and Natalie Bunt.

Ben said he was "really honoured" to be invited as second lead man and that dancing with Natalie, who he lived only a few doors down from when they were children, made it even more special.

The 32-year-old, who went to Parc Eglos School and Helston Community College, and whose dad Roger used to own Head Autos Garage, now lives in Plymouth where he works as an electrician.

He said: "There's a buzz about the day, just going back to see all the local people."

His dance partner Natalie Bunt will be following in the footsteps of her dad David Osborne when she takes her place in the leading set.

Describing herself as "absolutely ecstatic" about her invitation, the 34-year-old said: "I was jumping for joy, it is a dream come true. It's a complete honour and privilege to be asked."

Natalie, who danced through Parc Eglos and Helston Community College, and has also played on the day with Helston Town Band, now lives in St Dennis where her husband is from.