HISTORY was made in the Cotswolds when a group of woman performed the traditional Ilmington Morris Dance for the first time since the First World War.

Their performance was the highlight of the village's nine-day commemoration of the brave troops who served their country during the Great War.

Nineteen men from the village died during the conflict and their names are now inscribed on the village war memorial.

Events included a special book club session on war poets, poetry readings, a play and a community sing-along and an exhibition of war memorabilia and art.

Organiser Mark Currey said the morris dancing at the Red Lion pub was a highlight.

"The sun shone and over 200 people gathered outside the Lion at 7.30pm to see six brave and lovely ladies perform two traditional morris dances," he said.

"The men's side started the dancing and then literally handed over to the ladies. The six women collected sticks and scarves from the men and just as it was 100 years ago took over the Morris duties.

"Paul Bryan and the Morris side had taught the ladies the dances. The ladies Morris provided a perfect mixture of celebration and tradition. The whole village came together and we had a wonderful time.

"A very fitting way to remember all those who were affected by those dark days a century ago."

In 2018, a hundred years after the end of the war, the women will dance again and hand back the sticks and scarves to the men.