The hills and valleys echoed to marching clogs as the legendary Saddleworth Morris Men cleaved a colourful path through the villages at their annual Rushcart Festival.

The event launched on Saturday with a huge crowd gathering at The Square in Uppermill to see the side gather at the festive centrepiece - the two-tonne cart carrying the 13ft high conical-shaped rushes.

The reed-built rush cart  (Image: Ken Bennett)

The colourful wooden cart was the vanguard towed through villages as the side danced to the delight of enthusiastic crowds.

This year's jockey, who sat astride the swaying tower of rushes, was Graeme Rothery who has been a member of the side since 2013.

On the move through GreenfieldOn the move through Greenfield (Image: Ken Bennett)

He said: ”I have been going to Rushcart all my life. The banner on the cart is about all the previous rushcarts and the history of the tradition being passed down.

"The banner is also my personal legacy as it will be hung in the church for years to come."

Graeme RotheryGraeme Rothery (Image: Ken Bennett)

He added the experience was "indescribable" saying: "I'm so proud to be part of Rushcart history and The Saddleworth Morris Men!”

Ed Worrall, speaking for the Saddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog team making their first appearance, said: ”We’ve had an amazing time.

"The weather threatened rain, but it held off and the sun shone on the dancing.

"We had big crowds out in all the spots, but especially Delph and Dobcross Square.

Saddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog sideSaddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog side (Image: Ken Bennett)

“The reception the women's team got was huge as people cheered on their newest local side.

“The community turned out in force for the dancing in Dobcross Square and cheered on the dance sides from all over the UK.

"The loudest cheers though were for their own Saddleworth lads and also the Saddleworth Women's team."

He added: "Lots of tired feet by the end of the day, but big smiles too. We're very proud to be taking part in this wonderful local tradition. We can't wait to do it again.”