HUNDREDS of people gathered at Avebury stone circle, and thousands to Stonehenge, early on Sunday to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Eager visitors watched the sunrise at 8.11am as they prepared for the shortest day of the year. Avebury is the largest constructed stone circle in the world.

Cara Painter, who came from Cambridge to see Avebury for herself, said: "There's something special about this place. It's very spiritual.

"I've never been here before but I will definitely come again next year.

"I don't think I've ever been somewhere more beautiful to watch the sunrise."

At Avebury, people gathered on Saturday for the Gorsedd celebration, a meeting for modern-day bards that encourages poetry and music.

There was a band in attendance to get everyone in the solstice mood.

At Stonehenge, more than 5,000 people visited the famous circle to watch the sunrise together. English Heritage opened the ring to visitors but asked that people "respect the stones."