Historic village holds its May Day celebrations week late

More than 20 youngsters danced around the Maypole yesterday in the North Yorkshire village of Aldborough, near Boroughbridge, to mark its annual celebrations.

The children arrived at the Maypole, which was built in October 1964 out of a ship’s mast and is topped with a gold leaf crown made from two First World War shell cases, in a procession led by a farmer’s tractor covered in flowers.

There was also bungee trampolines and North Yorkshire Fire Service Rescue displays, alongside traditional cake and craft stalls, a coconut shy and face painting.

One of the organisers, Morag Freathy, said: “From its beginnings, the Mayday has raised money for the community, records show that in 1965, £23 was raised.

“Last year the village raised £2,200 for charity and this year we hope to have raised more for a charity supporting the disabled.

“Aldborough defies the modern phenomenon of dying villages populated by commuters, it is a village with generations rooted in its history and newcomers living and working alongside them. The Mayday is thriving because the old and young all take part.”