THE Portland Young Offender Institution gardens were the setting for Grove Infant School and Little Stars Pre-School May Day celebrations.

The darling buds of May sprang into the minds of the many adult spectators as they watched the small boys and girls, all dressed in white and carrying garlands, dance their way through the grounds to the splendid maypole.

Adding to the magic of bygone days, as the children performed a number of intricate dances, the Rev David Botterill, the Rev Eric Mitchell and Faye Mitchell gave the proceedings the authentic touch with traditional music, featuring the Floral Dance at intervals.

Then it was the turn of the adults as mums and dads performed in front of the children and the six scarecrows bordering the lawn. Guests, including YOI governor Steve Holland, were welcomed to the event by Grove head teacher Jane Hurdiss.

She said: “Our aim was to bring back a traditional celebration for families and we were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by everyone.