The dark face of folk dancing was revealed at a riverside pub last week to charm locals and visitors alike, reports Ted Hynds.

A wild troupe of tattered coat, top-hatted and face-painted dancers descended on The Anchor Inn at Cockwood on Thursday (June 26).

Traffic around the harbourside was halted for each of the Beltane Border Morris’ frenetic routines.

‘It was like watching a flock of ragged crows on speed,’ said one drinker. ‘None of the tinkly bells or hankies like traditional Morris dancers. But this was full on brilliant.’

Hannah Burston, the ‘Bag’ who organises the troupe's pub venues said: ‘The Beltanes have been around for hundreds of years but are not as well-known as traditional Morris. Its origins are in the Welsh border country, but it also incorporates a lot of the myths and legends of Dartmoor.’