APPLETON Thorn will be carrying on the long tradition of Bawming the Thorn next month and is inviting everyone to attend.

The village is the only one in England where the ceremony still takes place on the third Saturday of June.

It involves decorating the thorn tree beside the village church with flowers and ribbons.

The tree is believed to be an offshoot of the Glastonbury thorn, which grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, the man who is assumed to have buried Jesus after his crucifixion.

Susan Plass said: "Bawming the Thorn takes place on Saturday, June 15 when the roads around the village will be closed from 11.50am until 1pm.

"The procession leaves the village hall at 12pm and parades around the village, led by the Cadishead Public Band, arriving at the tree for the ceremony at 12.30pm.

"Year six children of Appleton Thorn Primary School then dance around the tree singing to the Bawming song.

"The original is reputed to be planted by Adam de Dutton, a knight returning from the crusades and planting a cutting from the Glastonbury thorn."

After the ceremony the procession makes its way back to the field at the village hall where there are stalls, performances and attractions for all ages.

There will also be a barbecue where people can cook their own meat.

Admittance is £1 per person and children under 12 go free.