Residents of Helston should have been woken this morning by the sound of the town band playing the Flora Dance to herald the start of May.

The May Day celebration not only celebrates the arrival of spring but marks the one week point until Flora Day and serves as an unofficial 'practice' for Helston Town Band - not that its members need it.

The 7am walk through the town from band members is then traditionally repeated at 7pm, which always draws huge crowds and often sees families dancing behind the band.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, however, the tune was sadly absent this morning - outside at least.

This cannot be said inside, however, as thanks to modern technology the band is bringing the May Day celebrations to people's homes instead.

In the latest of their "Isolation Specials" the band has recorded itself playing the famous tune - although, look closely and all the 'members' appear to bear an uncanny resemblance to each other.

The band said on its Facebook page: "This morning, and again this evening, the band would have processed the street - welcoming May. For many this is the real start of the Flora countdown."

"The band's bass trombone player, Jack Curnow, is lucky enough to self isolate with a member from each section of the band and they have been busy preparing a May Day performance for the people of Helston.

"It's amazing how similar a beard can make people look!?"

Jack has recorded himself playing the part of each band section to create a medley that sounds like the whole band, so that even though they are in their individual homes, Helstonians near and far can still collectively enjoy the sound of the Flora Dance on May 1.