A record crowd gathered to watch one of Merton's most popular groups perform a traditional winter Mummers play and dance outside a few Wimbledon pubs.

Drawing cheers and laughter from the audience, the lively performance from the Greensleeves Morris Men rounded off the annual Boxing Day tour.

Andrew Ford, landlord of The Hand in Hand public house, said: “This has been the most successful Boxing Day performance ever.

"There are 400 to 500 people here today, easily.

“Greensleeves performing here is a Christmas tradition; as usual we’ve had dozens of phone calls enquiring about the time of their performance.”

Greensleeves’ Boxing Day tour began at care home Alexander House with resident Prudence Yates blown away by the spectacle.

“I enjoyed it very much; the dancers were enjoying themselves and I wanted to join in.

“I saw other residents joining in as well. I hope Greensleeves perform here next Christmas.”

After talking with the care home’s residents, Greensleeves’ next stop was a short walk away on Wimbledon Village High Street where a crowd gathered to watch the lunchtime performance opposite the Rose & Crown.

Dave Legg, leader of the Morris Men said: “We’ve had an excellent Boxing Day as usual; the audiences have been fantastic.

“We have been performing our Mummers Play for more than 20 years. There’s always a great crowd in Wimbledon Village. Everyone is in a festive mood and has a good time.”