A RECORD number of Druids, pagans and tourists turned out for the winter solstice at Stonehenge on Thursday morning.

The stone circle attracted a crowd of 5,000 people, some dressed in cloaks and robes, to see the sun rise at 8.09am.

Peter Carson, head of Stonehenge at English Heritage, said: “The winter solstice at Stonehenge was an extremely busy but enjoyable and peaceful event for the record 5,000 visitors who came along. The record numbers were rewarded with a wonderful sunrise and this builds on the success of the celebrations of previous years.”

Druid leader King Arthur Pendragon said: “There was a huge number of differing Druid orders who worked together to make it a very happy and enjoyable event.”