A HISTORIC celebration was kept alive in Witney when youngsters performed Maypole and country dancing to thousands of parents.

Almost 400 children from The Batt CofE Primary School and St Mary’s CofE Infant School took to Church Green on Wednesday to show off their do-si-dos to the crowds.

The Batt Primary head Chris Payne said: “The day always has a very happy, colourful atmosphere.

“The children practised very hard for it and the teachers prepared them very well.

“It is a great event for both school communities and for the whole town of Witney.”

Katie Longden, 10, said: “I was picked out of a hat to be the May Queen, which meant I got to sit and watch all the May dancing.

“I was shocked but really happy.”