AN ANCIENT tradition has continued in Southampton with help from pupils of a primary school.

The ancient Beating the Bounds and Court Leet ceremonies took place earlier this week.

The custom of Beating the Bounds was revived in 1957 after a gap of more than 100 years. Originally, the Mayor and Sheriff, accompanied by other civic dignitaries, toured the boundary of Southampton on horseback to check it was intact.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Peter Baillie, lead the events which date back at least 800 years and take place in Southampton every year on the first Tuesday after Michaelmas, September 29.

Year 5 children from Weston Park Primary School carried out the ceremony which traditionally involved checking the boundaries of the city with a stick to make sure they are ‘intact’.

The Mayor, Town Crier and Town Sergeant walked from the Civic Centre to the Bargate and then to the town walls at Western Esplanade where the Beating of the Bounds took place.

The party then made its way back to the Court Leet which takes place in the council chamber of the Civic Centre.

Historically, the Leet was a place for residents of the town to meet to deal with minor local criminal cases and raise other matters of concern.

Today, Court Leet provides an opportunity for a citizen to make representations about matters of local concern, which might not normally come to the attention of the city council.

Cllr Peter Baillie said: "The Court Leet and the Beating of the Bounds are an opportunity for people young and old to engage with the long and fascinating history of Southampton and it is our chance to instil a sense of civic pride in the place they live.

"The young people from Weston Park have done an amazing job today. They are a credit to their school and to their city."

The mayor was awarded a civic medal and certificate for their efforts in helping to continue the age old tradition.