THE community gathered to watch as Paganhill's famous maypole was put in place on Sunday.

Almost 200 people turned up for the event which saw the installation of the first fibreglass Maypole after centuries of wooden ones.

"There was a very good turn-out despite the weather," said Sue Sutton of the parish's maypole committee.

"The weather was comparatively kind to us and the wind didn't get up until the pole was put in position.

""It probably took the best part of an hour to assemble the pole and get it upright. "There was a big round of applause when it went up and another when the union flag was raised. "It was a lovely event."

Rev Brian Wooleston from Ruscombe blessed the pole and Cllr Sheffie Mohammed gave a short speech on behalf of the district council.

Local historian John Nation delivered a potted history of Maypoles in Paganhill and Stroud's mayor, Cllr Kevin Cranston, read a short lesson.

Tim Lodge, the Bussage man who paid the lion's share of the cost of the replacement pole, was said to be touched by the sight of it going up and proud to be named on the bronze plaque attached to its base.

After the erection itself people retired to the Maypole Hall for a bring and share dinner.