SOOTY-FACED revellers danced in the streets as part of a tradition which dates back to the 16th Century.

Plough Monday is an annual event dating back as far as 1520 and has been performed by morris dancers from the town since the Nineties.

Members of Dark Horse Morris started their procession on the Hythe Quay outside Queen’s Head pub before leading the plough up the High Street.

The Plough Monday celebration was revived in Maldon in 1995 and has taken place on the first Monday after the Epiphany in January ever since.

The revellers attract big crowds.

The event has been kept alive countrywide by Molly dancers who wear traditional dress, dance to traditional music and parade through their communities in celebration of the new agricultural year, while following the plough.

A Dark Horse spokesman said: “Thanks to everyone that braved the weather tonight to watch us and join in.”

To find out more about the history, visit youtube.com/watch?v=FkVv9ivSuJA.