THE sound of chinking bells rang out across St George’s Square as morris dancers gathered to celebrate a big birthday.

Ten sides from across the country danced amid the fountains to mark Huddersfield based White Rose Morris Men’s 60th anniversary.

Teams, including from Leeds, Silkstone Green, Northampton, Southport, Hexham and Norwich all joined in the festivities over the weekend, travelling round Yorkshire to dance at a host of villages and towns.

And they rounded off their weekend with a series of dances at Huddersfield’s showpiece public space.

Bagman for White Rose Morris Men, Andrew Titley, said they’d had a fabulous weekend.

“We’ve been out dancing, entertaining, having a few drinks and having a right good time to celebrate our 60th birthday as a morris team,” he said.

“We invited sides to join us. One coach went to Halifax and Hebden Bridge, another went up the Colne Valley to Slaithwaite and Marsden.

“For some of them dancing on the slope at Sair was a bit of a challenge.

“And another coach went out from Huddersfield up to Emley and ended up at Cannon Hall.

“For most part the teams we invited have a long connection with us, we’ve danced with them in some cases for 30-40 years. Leeds Morris have known us for 60 years.”

He added: “One of the members of the original side was with us at the celebration dinner.

“He was there with his son, his daughter and his two grandsons, who are all dancing over the weekend.

“It’s been a wonderful event and it’s great to see lots of people here.”

White Rose, formed in 1953 are based in Huddersfield, practising at Gledholt Methodist Church. Anyone interested in joining them can visit whiterosemorrismen.org.uk , or email bagman@whiterosemorrismen.org.uk.