ONE of West Somerset's oldest traditions - the Sailors' Hobby Horse' - welcomed in May with a song and dance and a spring in its step.

The popular custom that spans three days drew a band of enthusiasts and musicians from as far afield as Okehampton in Devon and Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, as well as from the local area.

And the cavorting horse was carried by a team of men who, with their entourage, this year revived a daytime visit to Dunster Castle - after a break of more than 40 years.

The castle tradition dates back to 1792 when John Fownes Luttrell recorded how he paid the hobby horse five shillings, but it was suspended in the 1960s.

To mark its return, the horse danced through the streets of the medieval village last Saturday morning, accompanying Karen Sudron, who was collecting for the Help for Heroes charity, before making its way up the narrow winding stairs to the castle's main entrance.

To the accompaniment of drums and melodeons, the hobby horse entertained visitors and onlookers.

Spokesman James Parham said: "It was truly a great addition to the May festivities, which started at 5.30am with the traditional parade through the old town of Minehead to Whitecross for 6am to welcome the sun, and finished at Cher on Tuesday night"

He added: "Could there be a better way to summon in the May?"

Revellers are pictured during the hobby horse's weekend tour, which included Quay Street in Minehead.

Photo: Steve Guscott