Families and students gathered at a Shropshire school recently for their annual Summer Fair.

Lower Heath CE Primary School and Nursery sparked into life as several generations of families returned to the long-standing tradition of the school fair.

Steeped in history reaching back to the 18th century, Lower Heath is popular with families, with some spanning five generations of attendance.

The Summer Fair centrepiece was an antique maypole, a symbol of continuity and celebration, playing host to traditional maypole dancing, a folk custom performed at Lower Heath for decades.

Children weaved intricate patterns as they danced to lively music creating designs familiar to generations, such as the barber’s pole, spider’s web and complex plait.

The maypole's significance in the school's history is imprinted by a current pupil’s great-grandfather, who made it many years ago.

The tradition was revived following a brief pause due to the Covid pandemic, by Mr Holt-Williams, a teacher at Lower Heath.

Mr Holt-Williams said: "The maypole has been a symbol of our community for many years.

"One of our local residents, Freda Ridgeway, embedded it into our culture.

"I am proud to have brought it back to life with our current children."

Visitors to the fayre had much more to enjoy away from the maypole dancing.

Stalls packed the field, offering homemade goods and games.

As adults relaxed over tea and Pimms, children enjoyed face-painting and tombola.

Residents of Lower Heath, joining together across all generations, helped raise more than £1000 towards the school’s planned outdoor gym.

This new feature aims to support the physical and mental development of all students.