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Thousands mark 'peaceful' winter solstice at Stonehenge

BBC Winter Solstice sunrise 2017 at StonehengeBBC
Pagans, Druids and others gathered at the stones to mark midwinter

Thousands of people have gathered at Stonehenge to welcome the first sunrise after the winter solstice.

English Heritage opened the site between 07:45 and 10:00 for people to celebrate the end of the longest night of the year.

Police said there were no arrests and described it as an exceptionally peaceful solstice.

Winter Solstice sunrise 2017 at Stonehenge
People began arriving in their hundreds under the cover of darkness
Winter Solstice sunrise 2017 at Stonehenge
Thick cloud meant the sunrise, just after 08:00, was not visible
Winter Solstice sunrise 2017 at Stonehenge
English Heritage said more than 5,000 people braved the damp weather to see the sunrise at the stones
Winter Solstice sunrise 2017 at Stonehenge
Drummers, pipers and other musicians brought their instruments to the celebration