About 60 fools converged on St George's Square for the National Guild of Jesters' springtime moot - the official term for the meeting of jesters.

Schools and businesses got involved in the circus-style atmosphere by taking part in a colouring competition, baking gingerbread jester-men and sharing commemorative juggling balls, made by Beard Enterprises, of Old Town.

Local entertainers Will Tease and Elfin Bryan were inaugurated into the guild.

Will, aka Andy Wood, 42, of Lee Mill Road, Hebden Bridge, trained at the Ecde Phillipe Gaulier clown school, Paris, alongside Ali G.

"We know that jesters were important to kings throughout the ages - and we're just as important to the Mayor Nader Fekri," he said.

Councillor Nader Fekri, Mayor of Hebden Royd, welcomed the entertainers to the town hall.

"It's fantastic to have had the jesters here - the colour and smiles on everyone's faces. It's important to have jesters to stop us taking ourselves too seriously."

General secretary of the National Guild of Jesters, Jonathan the Jester, 44, said: "I love being a jester because I'm a natural born show off.

"In my late 20s my mum made me wear a jester costume for charity. I enjoyed it so much, and as I caught my reflection in a window, I realised I'd found my calling in life.

"Being a jester is about letting out the mischievous part of your personality, and encouraging others to do the same."

Shaun Pascoe, 24, of Todmorden, is a jester in training.

The former circus performer can juggle, ride a unicycle and tight-rope walk.

"I like the fun and of being a jester. And people are so curious about the trick, especially children," he said.

Wizard and guild member, Mr Merlin, brought along his dragony sidekicks Hunkydorey and Okeydokey from Bournemouth.

He said: "A good jester has an excellent costume and act, is loud rather than shy and retiring, is able to have fun and be spontaneous. We have had a great reaction in Hebden Bridge."

Lakhbir Sangha, of Melbourne Street, Hebden Bridge, brought along two-year-old daughter Mahni.

She said: "She is really interested in colours and different ways of dressing, so she is really enjoying this. A Jester Day would be fantastic."

Rosie Clear, of Banksfield Estate, Mytholmroyd, was there with 21-month-old Ira.

"It's brilliant children's entertainment. I knew it would be interesting and imaginative."

Linda Hodges, of Sackville Street, Hebden Bridge, also attended with son Jago, four.

She said: "We need colourful entertainment in March when it's cold and grey to cheer us all up."

Jesters are invited to compete in the Yorkshire Jester Festival on July 12, at Weaver's Square, Heptonstall.