PEOPLE in Keighley district interested in taking up a new hobby while staying fit and sustaining an old English tradition have been asked to consider Morris Dancing.

Oakworth Village Morris Men, along with the Rainbow Morris group, are hosting open evenings with a view to boosting flagging membership numbers.

The two sides, which have been performing in and around the Aire Valley area for over 30 years, are suffering from a lack of new dancing members.

A spokesman for the groups explained: "Without a boost in support, we fear that we will be unable to keep going for much longer.

"Oakworth and Rainbow are hoping that an open evening, where people can come along and try Morris Dancing, or just learn a bit about its history, could be just the boost needed.

"Morris Dancing has been a part of English life for at least 600 years, possibly even longer.

"During the summer months, it's not uncommon to see Morris teams dancing outside local pubs, or at village fetes.

"The first of what the two local teams hope will be a series of open evenings is to be held on Monday May 15 at Oakworth Methodist Hall, from 8pm. "There's no charge, and all are welcome."

People interested in attending should call 01274 402927, or e-mail rosemary.spurr@blueyonder.co.uk for more details.