Longsword dancing group plea for new members

The Redcar Sword Dancers formed in 1967, but the tradition goes back much further

A longsword dancing group which revived a forgotten tradition are worried they will cease to exist if they cannot attract new members.

The Redcar Sword Dancers formed in 1967 when an old journal containing details of the dance was found by a member of the Redcar Folk Club.

A small group began meeting to practice and revive the dance and the play contained in the journal.

Brian Pearce, the "King" of the Redcar Sword Dancers, said the team members are getting "a bit long in the tooth now" and struggling to attract younger recruits.

Mr Pearce, 78, said: "It has been a pleasure and an honour to be able to keep this tradition alive.

"Not many young people seem to be interested."

He said longsword dancing has been a part of Greatham's history for the last 200 years, adding: "We have a duty to keep it alive for the people who started it and those who continued it."

The group hopes a new generation will ensure sword dancing continues

The play involves a character being beheaded and then brought back to life by a doctor.

Moira Clarke, group musician for the last 25 years, said there is a "beauty" to the longsword dance.

She said: "In the team, we see the music as a very important part of the dance, and I always try to make the music enhance it wherever I can.

"If we don't manage to recruit new people to the team, I'm very worried that we will cease to exist.

"I would like to keep it alive for future generations."