A HAMPSHIRE country pub hosted a traditional maypole dance over the May bank holiday.

JM Dance Group was at The Four Horseshoes in Nursling and the tradition, which dates back 2,000 years, was enjoyed by everyone in the gardens with locals invited to take part.

The pub sponsored the JM maypole group last year and invited them to come back and entertain its customers in what is hoped to be an annual event.

JM Dance Group has produced numerous talented dancers who now dance professionally, including Ben Wyatt who was voted through to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent last year.

Hampshire Chronicle: JM Dance Group at The Four Horseshoes

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Jane Mackinnon, ex-founder of the JM Dance Group, who recently retired, coached this year’s maypole troop. She said: “We were very grateful to The Four Horseshoes for its generous donation to help us buy hoodies which has been extremely useful while the team trained and performed outside in all weathers.

“The girls love the tradition of the maypole dance and were delighted to be back to entertain locals.”

The Four Horseshoes general manager Adam Khalil added: “We are really pleased to be able to support our neighbours at the JM Dance and it was lovely to see them perform in our large garden area. I know all of our customers certainly enjoyed it.”

For more information, visit thefourhorseshoes.co.uk.