TUDOR times came to Hall i' th' Wood in a traditional celebration of May Day.

Crowds flocked to watch the festivities at Bolton's historic building yesterday.

Children donned traditional costumes to dress up as Tudor servants and noble gentry at the annual event.

Carol Sweeney, from organisers Bolton Council Museum Educational Service, said: "The children love to dress up and the whole event had an educational flavour to it as well."

Rivington Morris dancers wowed the crowds with their traditional 'clogs and all' dancing display. Secretary Hanneke van Dijk said: "It is great fun to support local events and we all had an excellent time."

Artistic Cherry Chung also brought her special brand of sculpture to Hall i' th' Wood -- wicker tree design.

Children joined Miss Chung, from Whitefield, to build a traditional symbol of summer, a huge 6ft wicker woman, from willow bark and flowers.

Ten-year-old Meghan Carey, from Tonge Moor, who dressed as a Tudor serf, said: "It was quite hard to wind the willow together but great fun."

Pal Sian Edwards, 10, from Harwood, added: "We learn about this sort of thing at school, but to dress up in costumes is really good fun."

Emily Grundy, 10, from Hall i' th' Wood, tried her hand at writing with a Tudor quill pen. She said: "It is quite tricky and hard to write anything. I am glad we don't have to use them at school!"

Rivington Morris Men are on the lookout for new members. Anyone who interested should Hanneke van Dijk on 01204 852632.