A few eyebrows were raised as the start of summer was celebrated at Oxfordshire's historic Rollright Stones -- by King Arthur, complete with his famous sword Excalibur.

Pronouncing himself the 'People's King', King Arthur Pendragon, pictured, joined in chanting and dancing with the Cotswold Order of Druids at the stones, near Chipping Norton, to celebrate Summer Solstice today (June 21).

The Cotswold Druids' swordbearer believes he is the reincarnation of the mythical Dark Ages legend that is King Arthur.

Dressed in robes, he was among Druids and visitors at the stones on Sunday.

Although the solstice -- which marks the longest day of the year -- is usually celebrated at the stones on the day itself, a special ceremony was held as part of the opening of new pathways linking the King's Men stone circle and the Whispering Knights burial chamber.

Hugo Brunner, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and Aubrey Burl, patron of the Rollright Trust, did the honours of opening the pathways, helped by children from Chipping Norton's Penhurst School.