EARLY birds caught sight of an unusual occurrence on Castle Hill this week.

As the sun rose on the month of May the White Rose Morris Men held their annual spring time welcome.

The time was 5.25am and they chose to dance the traditional dance atop the iconic Castle Hill, watched on by a small but keen audience.

The White Rose Morris Men have, for many years, danced on Castle Hill at sunrise on May Day morning.

They were joined in their celebrations by dancers from the Thieving Magpies, based in Marsden, dancing as the sun rose above the horizon.

Andrew Titley, of the Gledholt-based White Rose Morris, said the event was all the more special in their 60th year.

For those not up early enough to see the Castle Hill spectacular, a big dance takes place in Huddersfield town centre this weekend.

They will host around 120 other dancers from around the country and will tour the Calder Valley, Colne Valley, Emley, Hoyland and Cannon Hall.

They will enjoy a céilidh before the anniversary weekend culminates with a dance at St George’s Square on Sunday at midday. Anyone is welcome to go along and cheer them on.

If you are interested in joining them as a dancing member visit whiterosemorrismen.org.uk .