Why would anyone want to dance on top of a hill at five fifteen in the morning? News Editor Alistair Shand and photographer David Brett went along to find out

There was something surreal about the whole situation.

We stood alone by the mist-shrouded Cowling Pinnacle with an air of expectancy.

David surveyed the landscape for the best potential camera angles, while I admired the slowly-developing view of the valley which was beginning to emerge in spasms through the swirling blanket.

As dawn approached, so too did the subjects of our early-morning rendezvous.

The sound of bells marked their increasing proximity, and then out of the mist came two figures. Their unmistakable attire confirmed we had got the right time and the correct spot.

Andrew Lynch and Steve Johnston had come along as guests from the Bradford-based Boar's Head morris group, or 'side' as it is more accurately known. They were joining hosts Oakworth Village Morris Men for their third annual summer dance.

Mystified? So was I. Morris dancing to me had always seemed a little peculiar at the best of times, but for anyone to perform it on a hill top when most right-minded people were still buried beneath a duvet did little to alter my perception.

But never fear, Oakworth's squire of the side Mark Ashton - an analyst programmer when he is not donning the garb and wielding a stick - was soon on the scene to enlighten me.

"The traditional Cotswold is always danced as the sun rises on May 1 to bring in the summer and bring fertility to the land," he said. "This is the third year we have done it.

"Morris dancing had its peaks in the eighties but unfortunately a lot of sides have now folded, and we are struggling. We have just eight dancers and two musicians. We get a tremendous amount of enjoyment out of it.

"It is a social thing, but also we are keeping a tradition alive. We would love to see more people join us."

The ladies were not to be outdone on Saturday. Oak-worth Mixed Morris members strutted their stuff - in the North West tradition, I'm told! - alongside their male colleagues.

The ladies' side was formed about 15 years ago, soon after the men.

Although it subsequently became mixed, only one of its six members is male.

"He doesn't feel at all intimidated, in fact I think he quite enjoys it!" says member Jennie Ellison, whose 11-year-old daughter Kate also dances. "He can't be here today unfortunately, he runs Kettlewell post office."

Jennie - a teacher at Ryshworth Middle School, Crossflatts - has been interested in dance since childhood.

"Morris dancing appeals to people from all walks of life," she said. "It's lovely - the patterns, the tradition and of course the social side."

So what did the few non-morris bravehearts who had made their way to the pinnacle make of the dawn fling?

Tim Cole, a county councillor, said: "It's certainly different.

"I came up here last year, when it was very misty. It's wonderful."

As though on cue the sun broke out in striking style, and any doubts about the dawn mission disintegrated.

Shortly after 6am the party dispersed, with the morris men heading for a day-long programme of performances - the Derek Mallinson Memorial Tour - in the Yorkshire Dales.

And we were left to ponder what we had witnessed, and wonder who was most insane - anyone who wants to dress up and dance on a hilltop at sunrise, or those who go along to watch!

For further details about joining Oakworth Village Morris Men contact Mark Ashton on 01535 691153. Practices are held on Monday evenings. To find out more about Oakworth Mixed Morris, phone Jennie Ellison on 01535 664634. Practices are held on Wednesday evenings.

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