WHILE the weather forecast threatened rain, it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits as the Bawming of the Thorn celebration returned to the town on Saturday.

The community gathered together at 12pm for the annual parade around the village followed by the bawming dance by year six pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School around the thorn street next to St Cross Church on Stretton Road.

John Wilson, 11, stepped up to the role of the knight while Benjamin Flowers, 11, took up the part of the page.

Appleton Thorn is the only village in England where this ceremony takes place on the third Saturday of June.

The thorn tree, which stands beside the church, is believed to be an offshoot of the Glastonbury thorn, which grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea.

Adam de Dutton, a knight of the Crusades and local landowner, brought it to Appleton.

Not only does the day offer the community something to celebrate, but it also forms one of the main sources of fundraising for projects that aid the village.

During this year’s ceremony, it was announced that more than £1,700 had been raised last year.

Pick up a copy of this Thursday's Warrington Guardian to see our picture special of Bawming the Thorn.