Christmas may be a distant memory for most of us but not for a bunch of zany pub regulars in a tiny village on the Huddersfield/Calderdale border.

Every year they hold their Christmas party – in February.

Leading the festivities on Saturday at the Dog and Partridge, Sowood, was landlord Frank Collins, a youthful, 84-year-old who has spent 57 consecutive Christmases at the pub.

He and other bar hounds spent hours decking out the ancient hostelry with sprigs of holly, pretty baubles, masses of tinsel, a Christmas tree and even some mistletoe.

But every great party needs some music so to everyone’s delight Ken Clarkson played the accordion with elan while Terry Shaw strummed a guitar.

A medley of Christmas songs were played along with those well-known Christmas classics, Delilah and The House of the Rising Sun.

Frank said: “We started the tradition a few years ago when people had trouble coming along at Christmas time due to family commitments etc.

“Everyone brings some food and it is a very enjoyable event. I must admit I do enjoy a good party.

“People come from all over, Norwood Green, Roberttown, Brighouse and Crosland Moor.”

Attending for the first time was Marsh bar hound Nigel Bean, a 51-year-old former sales director.

He said: “I heard about it through a friend and just thought it was too good to miss.

“It’s been a great party and I’m already looking forward to next year’s.

“You can’t beat being in a proper locals’ pub with everyone enjoying themselves.

“It’s been a very special atmosphere and a very special day. Ken and Terry were superb.”

Adding a touch of glamour to the proceedings was Terry’s daughter, Teresa Oldroyd, a statuesque blonde from Roberttown.

The 45-year-old said: “Today is only the third time I have been in this pub.

“But my dad rang me and said there’s a Christmas party and did I fancy it, I thought it was a bit quirky but I love stuff that’s a bit different so here I am.”

Sally Binns, of Norwood Green, added: “I have known Frank since I was 15-years-old and have been coming to this pub for years so there was no way I was going to miss today.

“I like Christmas and there’s more decorations here today than there were on Christmas Day”.