Youngsters in Malmesbury have been learning how to do The Flying Monk – a traditional dance inspired by the town’s plummeting medieval aviator.

Malmesbury Brownies got to grips with the moves after learning the steps from the town’s Morris dancers.

The dance was inspired by and commemorates the failed attempt by 11th-century Benedictine monk Eilmer to fly from the top of Malmesbury Abbey with a pair of home-made wings.

Unlike Eilmer, none of the Brownies broke their legs during the session, which involved waving handkerchiefs around in lieu of wings.

Brownies spokesman Sarah McLean said the girls have been enjoying the experience despite the complexity of the moves.

“Learning how to use the hankies can be quite tricky. The girls were very enthusiastic and tried hard to get the dance right,” she said.

“They were especially good at jumping high at the start of the figures with hankies up.

“By the end of the evening the Brownies had learnt the whole dance and were able to perform it right through.”