THE shortest day of the year was welcomed with a joyous dawn chorus this morning. 

Members of The Stroud Red Band officially marked the Winter Solstice sunrise by playing music on Selsley Common. 

The sun rose at 8.13am this morning, Friday, December 22, and will set at 4pm, giving us 7 hours and 47 minutes of daylight.

The Stroud Red Band is an extension of the London Big Red Band, which has been in existence since the 1980s - often playing at demonstrations, marches and benefits. 

The group this morning included Mark Coldrick (drum), Karen Coldrick (trumpet), Rab Kettlety (trombone), Julia Berg (tenor sax), Jeremy Green (trumpet), Jenny Kempson (euphonium), Jane Opher (flute) as well as Bilbo the dog.

Look at our picture gallery to see all photos - all taken by Simon Pizzey.