ANCIENT rituals are alive and well in Bromley as girls have been crowned as May Queens across the borough.

After crowning ceremonies they held court in their parishes while traditional entertainment including maypole dancing took place.

And they got an opportunity to meet their subjects on parades through the streets which were lined by well-wishers.

This year crowning ceremonies, which traditionally mark the start of spring, took place in Hayes, Petts Wood, Downe, Chislehurst and Green Street Green.

May Queen celebrations have been carried out in England for at least 200 years and this year Chislehurst held its 90th event.