Children's traditional dance performance was perfect cure for exam stress

Children at Read Primary School pose in front of the Maypole before performing a traditional dance.

A display of traditional Maypole dancing rounded off a stressful week of SATS exams at a primary school.

Year two students at Read's St John's Primary donned gingham checked costumes and neckerchiefs to stage the dance that has become a tradition for the past 16 years.

Led by the May King and Queen Oliver Smedley and Enya Root, the children staged two shows for staff, students, parents, friends and relatives.

And in keeping with tradition Enya wore the crown that was donated by school secretary Barbara Lincoln 15 years ago.

And the children, who had spent hours rehearsing their dance, staged a faultless routine of dance and ribbon winding.