MAY Day celebrations began at first light in one Hampshire village with traditional Morris Dancers kicking off festivities. The dawn show marked the start of a programme of May Day events in Wickham which this year were all based on the theme of VE Day.

The bank holiday sunshine encouraged scores of visitors to the celebrations which lasted well into the evening.

Wickham Square was the focal point for the events which included a carnival complete with side shows, a victory parade and revellers in fancy dress.

That was followed by a VE picnic before pupils at Wickham Primary School treated villagers and visitors to a maypole dancing display.

For more pictures and reports see tomorrow's Daily Echo.